Khmer Morning Light Art Troupe

"The sound of singing drowns out the sound of bombs."

The establishment of the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Performing Arts Troupe marked a turning point in traditional Khmer theatrical art. The troupe's performances and programs consistently focused on themes of unity and resistance against the US-backed regime, incorporating various genres of poetry, literature, and Dù kê plays based on ancient stories and folk tales, all adapted to realistically reflect the lives, struggles, construction, and defense of the local ethnic communities.

The "Chui Chhai" dance performance by the Khmer Art Troupe Anh Binh Minh at the performance in Vam Ray hamlet, Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district on March 9, 2025.

The artists of the troupe were not only "soldiers on the cultural front," bringing songs and music to the public, but also truly armed soldiers, fighting against enemy raids, staying close to the people to carry out propaganda and mobilize the masses; marching deep into strategic hamlets to perform for the people under enemy control, bravely broadcasting messages towards enemy outposts, calling on soldiers to wisely return to the just cause.

The achievements of the Youth Union during this period were recognized by the Tra Vinh Provincial Military Command with a rotating flag bearing the inscription "Singing drowns out the sound of bombs" in 1973; the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam awarded them the Second Class Liberation Medal (1973) and two Third Class Liberation Medals (1975).

After the reunification of the country, the Anh Binh Minh Performing Arts Troupe changed its name to the Anh Binh Minh Khmer Art Troupe. When the two provinces of Vinh Long and Tra Vinh were merged to form Cuu Long province, the Anh Binh Minh Troupe became the Khmer Art Troupe of Cuu Long province. In 1992, Cuu Long province was divided into two provinces, Vinh Long and Tra Vinh, and the Troupe returned to Tra Vinh province.

Mr. Thach Set (Meritorious Artist Sang Set, born in 1952, residing in Ward 7, Tra Vinh City), formerly the acting head of the Anh Binh Minh Khmer Art Troupe, recalled that in the years after liberation, the Troupe faced countless difficulties, with meager remuneration insufficient to cover living expenses. Meanwhile, artists had to spend a lot on cosmetics and costumes to embody their roles on stage. The artists, actors, and musicians in the Troupe encouraged each other to overcome difficulties, uphold revolutionary traditions, and steadfastly "stick with the Troupe" to fulfill its mission.

Artists Thach Ngoc Xuan and Thach Thi Tuyet in a scene from the play "The Love Story of Via Sa Na" at a performance in Vam Ray hamlet, Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district on the night of March 9, 2025.

At that time, in addition to performing art programs domestically, the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Art Troupe was sent by the Party and State to serve the Cambodian people and the soldiers in the border provinces to protect the Fatherland. During the "opening up" period and the transition to a market economy, the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Committee continued to support the Troupe in changing its operating methods to suit the general development trends of the country. Besides performances serving political purposes, the Troupe also organized revenue-generating performances to improve its livelihood.

Today, most of the artists who founded and contributed to the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Performing Arts Troupe during the resistance war are no longer alive, but the glorious achievements and the spirit of that generation of artists, who were both musicians and soldiers, continue to resonate, nurturing national pride and empowering today's artists in preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the Khmer people, leading the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Performing Arts Troupe to sustainable development.

"Rekindling" the love for Khmer culture.

Over the past period, the Khmer Art Troupe Anh Binh Minh Tra Vinh has continuously developed theatrical productions of high artistic value to meet the tastes of the people. To date, the troupe has produced nearly 100 Dù kê theatrical plays and over 200 mixed music and dance performances. Currently, the troupe regularly performs for domestic and international delegations; organizes tours in remote areas, Khmer Theravada Buddhist temples, etc., both within and outside the province to serve ethnic communities.

During the troupe's recent three-night tour in Vam Ray hamlet, Ham Tan commune, Tra Cu district, Mrs. Thach Thi Nho, 63 years old, from Ham Tan commune, said that she and her husband make a living selling vegetables in the market. Although life is busy and hard, whenever they hear that the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Art Troupe is coming to the hamlet to perform, they quickly pack up their vegetable stall and head home. By 6 PM, they are already at the performance venue, choosing seats to fully enjoy the troupe's program, which lasts from 7 PM to 11 PM each night.

A scene from the Dù Kê theatrical play "The Love Story of Via Sa Na" performed by the Khmer Art Troupe Ánh Bình Minh for the audience in Vàm Ray hamlet, Hàm Tân commune, Trà Cú district on the night of March 9, 2025.

Not only do older people want to enjoy their ethnic group's traditional art, but performances in remote areas also attract a large number of Khmer youth and children.

Fifteen-year-old Tran Thi So Phe from Vam Ray hamlet said that ever since the Anh Binh Minh Khmer Art Troupe started performing in the area, she has always accompanied her grandmother to watch. When the artists' singing, lyrics, and dialogue in Khmer are heard, her national pride is rekindled. Through the performances and plays, she understands more about the history, traditions, and beauty of Khmer culture. She increasingly cherishes her roots and loves her ethnic culture even more.

Meritorious Artist Thach Sung, Head of the Anh Binh Minh Khmer Art Troupe, said that tours in remote areas and Khmer ethnic minority regions always bring many emotions to the artists in the troupe. Thousands of eyes attentively enjoying each performance every night, the warm affection, admiration, applause, and tears of farewell when the artists say goodbye… are a great source of encouragement for the artists to become more attached to their profession, constantly creating, honing their skills and expertise to contribute tirelessly to Khmer art.

“What I appreciate most is that the performances in remote areas now attract many young men and women, and children. This proves that we are not simply performing art, but also have a mission to nurture and ignite a love for Khmer culture in the younger generation; contributing to preserving, conserving, and disseminating the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people,” Meritorious Artist Thach Sung confided.

According to Tran Van Dai, Head of Administration and General Affairs of the Khmer Art Troupe Anh Binh Minh, the troupe currently has about 40 staff members, with many generations of actors; annually, they perform nearly 100 shows both domestically and internationally, of which about 30 shows serve political purposes. In addition, the troupe also works on filming for regional and local television stations, producing 2-3 plays and 2-3 music and dance programs each year to serve the artistic needs of television viewers.

The contributions of the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Art Troupe of Tra Vinh have been recognized by the central and local authorities, and awarded numerous medals, certificates of merit, and commendations; among them, 9 artists have been awarded the title of Meritorious Artist... Notably, in 2000, the Khmer Anh Binh Minh Art Troupe was honored to be awarded the title of "Heroic Labor Unit in the Renovation Period" by the President of Vietnam.

Text and photos: THANH HOA

Source: https://www.baotravinh.vn/van-hoa-the-thao/doan-nghe-thuat-khmer-anh-binh-minh-noi-tiep-lua-tinh-yeu-van-hoa-khmer-44785.html