The vitality of Hoi An's Bài Chòi folk theater

DNO - From a form of folk performance, Bài Chòi has become a unique tourism product in Hoi An, attracting many locals and tourists to enjoy and experience it.

Artists perform Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game) at a cultural exchange program on the evening of December 7th. Photo: Vĩnh Lộc

On the evening of December 7th, the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center organized an exchange program with artists, experts, and researchers on Hoi An's Bài Chòi folk art to commemorate the 8th anniversary of Central Vietnam's Bài Chòi art being recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity (December 7, 2017 - December 7, 2025).

With the theme "The rhythm of Bài Chòi still resonates through a thousand years," the exchange reflected on the journey so far with deep pride in the contributions of this art form to the heritage landscape.

According to Mr. Vo Phung, former Director of the Culture - Sports and Radio - Television Center of Hoi An (old city), since 1983, Bai Choi has been widely present in the locality through the opening of Bai Choi classes at the Hoi An Cultural House.

However, the milestone marking the involvement of this folk performance art form in tourism activities must be traced back to September 8, 1998, when "Old Town Night" was first organized, incorporating the Bài Chòi game into performances for locals and tourists.

In particular, on January 16, 2010, the former city of Hoi An decided to organize the Bài Chòi card game at the An Hoi roundabout every night, becoming a unique tourist product in the ancient town and continuing to this day.

Leaders of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center present flowers to acknowledge the contributions of researchers, managers, and Bài Chòi folk artists. Photo: VINH LOC

Cultural researcher Phung Tan Dong observes that Hoi An is one of the rare localities in the country that has successfully revived Bai Choi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game), or more accurately, has made Bai Choi a viable form of entertainment through tourism. What makes Hoi An's Bai Choi so appealing is that it bears the distinctive mark of the region, a stark contrast to some neighboring areas.

In particular, the names of the cards and the way the bài chòi songs are recited also have some differences, mainly based on ancient folk melodies; at the same time, incorporating theatrical lyrics composed by artists, helping to supplement the bài chòi melodies in the performance, creating richness for the bài chòi singing game in Hoi An.

According to Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, Deputy Director in charge of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, Bai Choi is the breath of life, the spiritual nourishment of the people of Hoi An; from a folk performance art form, it has become an attractive cultural tourism product and, at its peak, an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In particular, the vitality of Bài Chòi stems not only from its diverse organizational methods but also from its widespread presence in daily life and its continuation through many generations.

Locals participate in a traditional Bài Chòi folk art performance. Photo: Vĩnh Lộc

To date, the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center has organized many classes to pass on the tradition of Bài Chòi to younger generations, especially in schools; contributing to spreading love and passion for Bài Chòi, helping the younger generation to be aware of preserving the traditional values ​​left by their ancestors.

Furthermore, Bài Chòi has gained even more vitality by participating in activities promoting the image of Hoi An to the world. Almost all events include Bài Chòi performances, which are well-received by tourists, helping to nurture and spread the art form widely.

“Throughout this journey, researchers, managers, artisans, artists, the community, and tourists have contributed to preserving and promoting the value of Bài Chòi. Now, with Hoi An's participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Bài Chòi has gained new vitality and opportunities to thrive and affirm its position in the hearts of domestic and international tourists,” said Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam.

According to Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, Deputy Director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, the former Quang Nam Provincial People's Council issued a resolution and the former Quang Nam Provincial People's Committee had a plan for the preservation and promotion of the Bai Choi art form. After the merger with Da Nang city, this plan continued to be implemented.

Through this, not only are performance activities promoted, but the Bài Chòi clubs at the grassroots level are also given attention, contributing to the sustainable vitality of Bài Chòi.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/suc-song-bai-choi-hoi-an-3314184.html