A place where the performing arts talents of ethnic minorities shine.

Throughout its journey of striving, building, and developing, the Provincial Art Troupe has always closely followed the local political tasks, excellently fulfilling its assigned duties, actively contributing to the development of literature and art of the province's ethnic minorities, worthy of its pioneering role as a soldier on the cultural front, receiving many prestigious titles from the Party and State, and gaining the trust and a place in the hearts of art-loving audiences.

On January 23, 1961, the Provincial Administrative Committee issued a decision to establish the Provincial Performing Arts Troupe (now the Provincial Art Troupe). Immediately after its establishment, despite the rudimentary and inadequate facilities and equipment for performances, with the performers' shoulders as the sole means of transportation and stage lighting provided by kerosene lamps, the troupe's artists and performers overcame these difficulties and shortages with their enthusiasm and passion for art. During those years, the troupe toured extensively, primarily serving remote mountainous areas with performances deeply rooted in local ethnic traditions, which were widely appreciated by the people.

Meritorious Artist Quỳnh Nha, one of the first generation of actors in the Cao Bằng Performing Arts Troupe, recalled: "In 1970, when the Troupe first participated in the Northern Professional Arts Festival, the members were very proud but also nervous and anxious because this was a festival for professional performing arts troupes from all over the North. With the determination and encouragement of the leaders of the Department of Culture, the artists and actors in the troupe practiced day and night, considering this an opportunity to learn, without hoping for any awards. However, the efforts of the actors of the Cao Bằng Performing Arts Troupe were rewarded. At the end of the festival, the troupe won 1 first prize for the play 'Returning to the New Village,' 4 second prizes for the play 'The B'Reng Tree of Trường Sơn,' and 3 outstanding actors were Hoàng Quỳnh Nha, Nông Ngọc Bút, and Nông Thị Sơ." This is a well-deserved reward for the diligent work, passionate dedication to the profession, and bold creativity of the entire team and outstanding individuals who surpassed themselves to bring the best results to the province.

In December 1970, the Ministry of Culture and Information and the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army selected several representative art troupes from the Viet Bac region, including the Cao Bang Mobile Performing Arts Troupe, to perform in support of the Southern battlefield. The Provincial Department of Culture selected 16 members of the Performing Arts Troupe, led by Comrade Nong Ha Thin as troupe leader, artist Be Xuan Tien as deputy leader, and other members. From 1970 to 1971, the Cao Bang Mobile Performing Arts Troupe served the 559th Regiment, Supply Depot 14 bordering Laos, one of the key targets of fierce American bombing, as it was the lifeline of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Meritorious Artist Hoang Kim Tue, then only 16 years old, who volunteered to serve on the battlefield, fondly recalled: "The actors and actresses always understood that once they entered the battlefield, they became soldiers, ready to accept hardship and sacrifice. They climbed mountains, crossed streams, carried supplies on foot, performed during the day and rested at night – this became a way of life, a strict discipline on the battlefield with the spirit of 'all for our beloved South,' 'Singing drowns out the sound of bombs.' Besides performing, they shared and encouraged the soldiers to fight with peace of mind. The women helped the soldiers mend clothes, care for the wounded and sick, showing the deep affection of those who shared the same trenches…"

After the peaceful reunification of the country in 1976, Cao Bang and Lang Son provinces were merged to form Cao Lang province. However, the performing arts troupes of the two provinces continued to operate independently as before, only mobilizing their forces to participate in major events. This was one of the fundamental advantages that allowed the two troupes to continue maintaining their established professional activities and further develop their creativity in the future. After a period of operation, recognizing that the performers in the troupe were all amateur artists who had never received formal training, the cultural sector leaders and the troupe encouraged and facilitated the training of young performers at art schools in the Viet Bac and Central regions. The provincial performing arts troupe gradually stabilized, becoming fully capable of effectively serving the political tasks of the Party and meeting the cultural and spiritual needs of the people of all ethnic groups in the province.

During the border conflict (1979), the Provincial Performing Arts Troupe organized itself into mobile performing arts teams, overcoming difficulties to practice performances in order to promptly serve and encourage soldiers and people of all ethnic groups, contributing to the cultural, informational, and propaganda activities of the sector, creating a solid cultural defense line. Immediately after the conflict, following the directive of the Ministry of Culture and Information, directors, choreographers, and musicians helped the troupe develop artistic programs. In just 5 years (1980 - 1985), the troupe developed many high-quality artistic programs to perform and participate in two national festivals (the 1982 festival in Hanoi and the 1985 festival in Hai Phong) with the performance "Kim Dong Dance Drama" choreographed by Colonel, People's Artist Do Minh Tien; The performance included a medley of songs and dances titled "Border Night" by authors Nguyen Nhung and Chuong Chau My, and a zither performance of "Support," with lyrics by Nguyen Huu Tho and performed by Ma Si Hoan; "The Call of You," choreographed by Dinh Quy and music by Dao Viet Hung; and the song "I Have Heard" by composer Dam Thanh, performed by singer Xuan Ai and a female vocal group. Other performances included a female solo by Kim Tue singing "The Mong Village Welcomes the Hero"; a female solo "Lullaby of the Forest Planter"; and a female acabela group performance of "Lullaby of the Young Girl," composed by Dam Thanh and performed by artist Duong Lieu and a female vocal group. As a result of both festivals, the troupe won numerous awards, including gold and silver medals, and received high praise from the organizers.

A spectacular performance by the Provincial Art Troupe.

In the process of national renewal, the Provincial Art Troupe continues to inherit and develop the achievements gained, striving, innovating, and constantly building unique and modern art programs with the motto of absorbing and preserving valuable cultural essences, cherishing the rich and precious artistic traditions of the ethnic groups, contributing to the construction of an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity as set forth in: Resolution No. 5 (8th Congress) of the Party Central Committee; Resolution No. 33-NQ/TW dated June 9, 2014 of the Politburo (11th Congress) on "building and developing Vietnamese culture and people to meet the requirements of sustainable national development"; Resolution No. 23-NQ/TW dated June 16, 2008, on “Developing Literature and Art in the New Era” is linked to the implementation of Conclusion No. 01-KL/TW dated May 18, 2021, on continuing to implement Directive No. 05-CT/TW dated May 15, 2016, of the Politburo on “Promoting the Study and Emulation of Ho Chi Minh's Thought, Morality, and Style.” The Provincial Art Troupe has made many innovations in organizing creative and performance activities, actively contributing to building the people's cultural and spiritual life, combating negative manifestations, promoting advanced models in society, guiding the public towards truth, goodness, and beauty, and preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation. The Provincial Art Troupe considers this one of its important political tasks, contributing to the achievement of socio-economic development goals and maintaining national defense and security in the locality.

Particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, the artists and performers overcame difficulties, flexibly organizing various performance models and coordinating with Cao Bang Radio and Television Station to film and record dozens of art programs broadcast to serve the people. The troupe's artistic performances promptly encouraged the spirit of medical staff and the people in their determination to overcome the epidemic. In recent years, the troupe has actively participated in major art events of the province such as: the Ban Gioc Waterfall Festival, the event commemorating the 520th anniversary of the province's establishment and the awarding of the UNESCO Non Nuoc Cao Bang Global Geopark Certificate for the second time in 2024, the Countdown Spring Festival 2025… with spectacular performances that left a special impression on the audience.

Meritorious Artist Ma Thi Huong Lan stated: "Through a long and arduous journey of artistic work, humble learning, and passionate love for the profession, generations of performers have achieved many successes in performing for the people of various ethnic groups in the province, nationwide, and in international exchanges. Throughout its operation, under the direction of the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Performing Arts, the troupe has participated in 15 national and regional professional music and dance festivals, competitions, and international art festivals, receiving more than 90 medals of various kinds and many awards for collectives and individuals. The troupe is honored to have received prestigious awards from the State such as: 1 First-Class Resistance War Against America Medal, 1 Third-Class Labor Medal; the Excellent Emulation Flag of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Excellent Emulation Flag of the Provincial People's Committee; and many Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Provincial People's Committee."

Many actors and artists have been honored and proud to receive prestigious titles from the President of Vietnam: former Deputy Head of the Troupe Hoang Quynh Nha was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 1993; artist Duong Lieu was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 1997 and People's Artist in 2012; Head of the Provincial Art Troupe Hoang Kim Tue was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2002; Head of the Troupe and Artistic Director Ma Thi Huong Lan was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2019; artist Tran Duc Canh was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2019; artist Lam Thi Minh Hue was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2023. These are prestigious awards recognized by the State for the tireless efforts and dedication of these artists to the country's culture and arts.

Having overcome countless difficulties and challenges since its inception, the Provincial Art Troupe has always upheld its traditions and strived to become a pillar of support for the artistic talents of Cao Bang's ethnic minorities to continue to soar to greater heights.

Viet Hung

Source: https://baocaobang.vn/noi-toa-sang-tai-nang-nghe-thuat-bieu-dien-cac-dan-toc-thieu-so-3176910.html