Bringing traditional Vietnamese opera and folk singing to schools.

(GLO) - Nearly 300 students from Cat Hanh Secondary School (Hoa Hoi commune, Gia Lai province) had a special experience with traditional art forms: <i>hat boi</i> (classical Vietnamese opera) and <i>bai choi</i> (a traditional Vietnamese folk game). This aimed to awaken a love for heritage in the younger generation.

On the morning of April 13th, the Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre, in collaboration with the Hoa Hoi Commune People's Committee and Cat Hanh Secondary School, organized a traditional arts exchange and experience program for students. More than just a performance, the program created a vibrant learning environment where cultural heritage was conveyed directly, intimately, and emotionally.

From the very beginning, the schoolyard was bustling with the excitement of nearly 300 students. Tran Phuong Diem, a student from class 9A2, shared: “Before, I only watched traditional Vietnamese opera and folk theater on TV. Today, I got to watch it live, and I also heard the artists explain each movement. I found it very interesting and understood more about the traditional art of my hometown.”

Opening the program, People's Artist Phuong Thao - former actress of the Dao Tan Traditional Opera Troupe ( thuộc Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theater) - gave a vivid introduction to the art of traditional opera. With her years of stage experience and approachable style, she helped students clearly visualize the world of traditional opera characters, from makeup and costumes to body movements, eye contact, and gestures.

People's Artist Phuong Thao shared: "If we want young people to love traditional art, we must first help them understand it. When they can directly observe, interact, and even try performing a few movements, they will find that traditional opera is no longer unfamiliar. That is a way to sow the seeds of love for heritage in the long term, and at the same time form a young audience for traditional art."

People's Artist Phuong Thao introduces makeup techniques and performance movements for traditional Vietnamese opera, helping students approach traditional art in a visual and lively way. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

Continuing the program, Meritorious Artist Kim Châu - Deputy Director of the Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theater - introduced the folk art of Bài Chòi and Bài Chòi opera. Familiar melodies such as Xàng Xê, Hò Quảng, Cổ Bản, and Xuân Nữ were presented in an easy-to-understand and accessible way. In particular, inviting students onto the stage to try reciting simple Bài Chòi verses created a lively and exciting atmosphere, helping them connect with the heritage through their own experiences.

Students confidently participated in the Bài Chòi folk singing, contributing to a lively and friendly atmosphere during the experiential program. Photo: Ngọc Nhuận

The highlight of the exchange was a performance of the traditional Vietnamese opera "The Old Man Carrying His Wife to the Festival" by artists from the Dao Tan Opera Troupe. With humorous acting and a fast-paced musical rhythm, the performance captivated the students' attention from beginning to end. Many were surprised to discover the unique appeal of this art form, which is often considered "difficult to approach."

Nguyen Hoang Dang Khoa, a student in class 8A3, shared: "Initially, I thought traditional Vietnamese opera would be difficult to understand, but after watching it, I found it very interesting, especially the movements and expressions of the artists."

Pham Ngoc Bao Tran, a student in class 7A5, said: "This activity helps us understand more about the beauty of our hometown's culture, and thus gain more knowledge for the local education subject."

An excerpt from the traditional Vietnamese opera "The Old Man Carrying His Wife to the Festival," performed by artists from the Dao Tan Opera Troupe, captivated the students. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

Beyond simply watching and listening, students also directly participated in a traditional Bài Chòi folk game performed by artists from the Binh Dinh Bài Chòi Opera Troupe (part of the Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theater). The witty chants and hearty laughter transformed the schoolyard into a miniature festival space, where the children could play, learn, and clearly appreciate the value of the traditional Bài Chòi folk art heritage.

Students enthusiastically participated in a traditional folk card game, experiencing the beauty of traditional culture right in the schoolyard. Photo: Ngoc Nhuan

According to Mr. Pham Huu Thien, Principal of Cat Hanh Secondary School, incorporating traditional art into schools is a meaningful activity in holistic education. “Besides knowledge, the school focuses on nurturing the soul, character, and cultural identity of students. Practical experiences like these help them appreciate and be more aware of preserving traditional values,” Mr. Thien said.

From the perspective of the organizing unit, Mr. Nguyen Trong Quynh - Director of the Provincial Traditional Arts Theater - said: "We want to bring traditional arts closer to the public, especially the younger generation. When students are exposed to traditional arts in a natural and lively way right from the school level, it will be the foundation for nurturing a love for traditional theater and cultivating talent to preserve the heritage left by our ancestors."

According to the plan, on the afternoon of April 14th, the Gia Lai Provincial Traditional Arts Theater will also coordinate a similar activity at Vinh Quang Secondary School (Vinh Quang commune, Gia Lai province). Simultaneously, they will continue to organize exchange and experience activities related to traditional arts at many schools throughout the province. This is part of the effort to achieve the goal of cultural heritage education for the period 2023-2026, contributing to spreading the value of traditional arts in the community – a journey that needs to be continued with more practical and sustainable activities.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/dua-hat-boi-bai-choi-den-hoc-duong-post584634.html