The play "Chau Phi Rint," performed by the Khmer Art Troupe of Can Tho City.
At the Phnor Kanh Chơ Chắs prayer ceremony in Can Gio 1 hamlet, Ngoc To commune, the atmosphere during the performances by the Khmer Art Troupe of Can Tho City was particularly vibrant. For three consecutive nights, the temple grounds were brightly lit and packed with spectators. From the moment the sun set, people brought mats and plastic chairs to "reserve their spots." Children ran and played around the ceremony grounds, while adults chatted lively, creating a vibrant community atmosphere rich in cultural identity.
As the music began and the curtain rose, the entire space seemed to fall silent. The music blended seamlessly with the singing and dancing performances, the plays—sometimes heroic and tragic, sometimes humorous, and finally deeply moving—captivating the audience from beginning to end. Applause rang out continuously, interspersed with bursts of laughter and moments of silence reflecting the characters' emotions.
Sitting in a seat near the stage, Mrs. Thach Na Ry, over 60 years old, from Can Gio 1 hamlet, excitedly said: “Every year when the prayer ceremony comes, I take my grandchildren early to find a seat. I’ve loved Du Ke since I was little, and whenever I hear a troupe is coming, I go to see them. I never get tired of watching, and the more I watch, the more I appreciate it.” Not only the elderly, but many young children also attentively followed every dance movement and song. Some even learned, imitated, and re-enacted the performers' gestures. These images show that the art of Du Ke is still quietly being nurtured among the younger generation.
Behind the dazzling lights lie the dedication and perseverance of the artists. Actor Thach Trung Du shared: “The dry season is the season of continuous performances. Sometimes, as soon as one show is over, the next morning we have to move the stage to another location. It's tiring, but seeing the audience filling the venue, watching until the end of the show, and applauding gives us renewed strength.”
According to Thach Trung Du, each tour is an opportunity to meet and bond with the local people. It is the everyday stories, the smiles, and the eyes of the audience that help the artist embody their roles more authentically on stage.
Mr. Luu Thanh Hung, Head of the Khmer Art Troupe of Can Tho City, said: “Besides performing for the people during the festival season, the troupe also develops many comprehensive art programs to serve occasions such as Chol Chnam Thmay Tet, Sene Dolta Festival, Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo Boat Race, as well as major national events. Through this, we contribute to preserving and promoting the traditional art values of the Khmer people.”
Currently, in addition to professional art troupes, Can Tho City also has three Khmer folk art troupes: Ron Ron, Pra Sath Kong, and Chong Prek, which maintain their activities. Despite limited resources, these troupes regularly practice and perform, especially during the dry season, the most vibrant time of the year.
Nevertheless, amidst the modern pace of life with many new forms of entertainment, Dù Kê art also faces many difficulties, and many artists have to take on other jobs to make ends meet. However, when night falls, they put on their performance costumes and transform into their characters on stage, giving their all to their passion.
Mr. La Hoang Vinh, an actor from the Ron Ron Khmer Art Troupe in Thuan Hoa commune, shared: “During the day I work at a company, and in the evening I rush to the troupe to perform. If the performance venue is nearby, I drive home after the show and go back to work the next morning. It's hard work, but being on stage and receiving the love of the people makes me very happy.”
Therefore, these dry season tours not only bring spiritual joy to the people but also contribute to preserving the unique cultural characteristics of the Khmer people in Southern Vietnam. From the courtyards of temples and shrines to the open fields in the villages, wherever the sound of Dù Kê music resonates, there is laughter, togetherness, and the enduring rhythm of a cultural heritage being passed down through generations.
Text and photos: THACH PICH
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/mua-kho-den-xem-hat-du-ke-a203878.html
