Preserving the art of Ro Bam dance in the midst of modern life

Over hundreds of years of existence, the Ro Bam dance has been preserved as an inseparable part of the cultural life of the Khmer people in Tai Van commune, Can Tho city. In the modern context, this art form is facing many challenges, but also opening up new opportunities thanks to the preservation efforts of all levels, sectors and the local Khmer people.

The art of Robam was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019. Photo: VAN SONG

Tai Van commune has more than 80% of the population being Khmer ethnic people. In 2019, the Khmer art of Roham in Tai Van commune was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage according to Decision No. 446 dated January 29, 2019 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The recognition of the art of Roham as a national intangible cultural heritage poses many challenges for the locality in the work of preserving and promoting the value of the heritage. The scope of performance is increasingly narrowing, while artistic activities are mainly "seasonal", causing many people to no longer be interested in the profession, gradually fading the quintessence of traditional culture.

Currently, in Tai Van commune, only the family of the excellent artist Lam Thi Huong in Bung Chong hamlet still maintains the Ro Bam dance troupe in the form of "father to son". According to Ms. Lam Thi Huong, Head of the Bung Chong Ro Bam Troupe, the troupe was established in 1933 and has gone through 6 generations. "My parents always told me to preserve this art. I love Ro Bam very much. Luckily, the descendants in the family still continue so the troupe can still be maintained today" - Ms. Huong shared.

In recent years, all levels and sectors have implemented many solutions to preserve Ro Bam. The Ro Bam Troupe in Tai Van was invited by the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Hanoi to restore the ancient Ro Bam stage, helping to introduce this art more widely. In 2024, the Department of Culture and Information of Tran De District (old) coordinated with the Khmer Art Troupe of Soc Trang to organize Ro Bam dance classes at the grassroots level. Students were enthusiastically instructed by artists of the Bung Chong Troupe on movements, gestures, and how to transform into characters, etc.

In particular, on February 7, 2024, the People's Committee of Soc Trang province (old) approved the Project "Preserving and promoting the value of the national intangible cultural heritage of the Khmer Ro Bam Art and the Nghinh Ong Festival in Tran De district, period 2023-2028". The project not only aims to preserve, but also exploit the heritage value to serve sustainable socio -economic development, creating a foundation for the development of unique cultural tourism of the locality.

In 2024, implementing Project 6 under the National Target Program for Socio-Economic Development of Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas, Tai Van Commune established the Ro Bam Dance Club with 18 members, mainly aged 15-18. From the funding of this project, the commune invested in costumes, props, sound, stage... for the Club. Thanks to that, after a period of practicing and living in the Club, the members were able to perform at many pagodas during major Khmer festivals such as: Kathina Offering, Ok Om Bok Festival - Ngo boat racing...

Ms. Thach Na Qui, daughter of the excellent artist Lam Thi Huong, is currently an actress of the Khmer Art Troupe of Soc Trang and is the person who directly teaches the art of Ro Bam dance to members of the Tai Van Commune Ro Bam Dance Club. “Young people love Ro Bam dance so they learn very quickly and have real passion,” Ms. Na Qui said excitedly.

According to Mr. Thach Quoc Thai, Head of the Department of Culture and Society of Tai Van Commune, the art of Ro bam has been recognized as a 3-star OCOP product. The commune will continue to promote this art form, gradually bringing the Ro bam dance club to participate in performances at major events and festivals. "We will coordinate with the club to develop a plan and a systematic performance itinerary. Thereby effectively promoting the cultural value of Ro bam dance in modern life" - Mr. Thai emphasized.

Ro bam is a classical dance drama on the royal stage of the ancient Khmer people. This is an art form that combines many artistic elements: song, drama, dance, and the art of expressing language and action.

Over time, the content of the plays in the Ro Bam stage has been gradually adapted by the Khmer people to be closer to the life, thoughts and feelings of the working people. The art of Ro Bam not only serves the needs of entertainment but also has a profound philosophical and educational value, reflecting and conveying religious and spiritual ideas to the general public.

QUOC KHA

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/gin-giu-nghe-thuat-mua-ro-bam-giua-nhip-song-hien-dai-a188718.html