Continuing the tradition of folk songs and Bài Chòi (a type of Vietnamese folk theater).

VHO - Driven by a passion for folk songs and Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game), more than 40 members from four communes in Da Nang City (formerly Duy Xuyen District, Quang Nam Province) have joined the Song Thu Folk Song and Bài Chòi Club.

The Song Thu Folk Song and Bài Chòi Club officially launched on October 3rd in Nam Phuoc commune, Da Nang city, with the participation of over 40 members from the communes of Nam Phuoc, Duy Nghia, Thu Bon, and Duy Xuyen in Da Nang city.

This is a meaningful cultural activity. After the implementation of the two-tiered local government system, the clubs of the former communes ceased to exist and were re-established according to the new commune administration. This creates a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere, helping club members revive the vibrant spirit of interesting and meaningful folk songs and chants, rich in traditional identity, continuing the tradition of folk music and Bài Chòi (a type of folk theater) in Quang Nam province.

Members of the Song Thu Folk Song and Bài Chòi Club on their debut day.

The members come from diverse age groups and professions, but share a common passion for folk art – Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game). They organize regular meetings to practice, sing, and perform for the people, and participate in folk singing and Bài Chòi competitions.

Right from the launch event, the club members performed with heartfelt and sweet folk songs and traditional theater melodies praising love for their homeland in Quang Nam province, the country, and the moral principles and virtues of the Vietnamese people.

A large audience of local people attended the launch event, enjoying and praising the unique Bài Chòi performances, which conveyed profound messages about love for the homeland, community cohesion, and moral values, as well as the beauty of the nation's traditional culture.

Mr. Le Trung Thuy, who has made significant contributions to the local cultural and artistic movement, especially in folk songs and traditional Vietnamese theater, shared: "The Song Thu Folk Song and Traditional Theater Club brings together many individuals who are key figures in the folk song and traditional theater movement. Many have participated in organizing performances to serve the people during holidays, festivals, and local political events."

"I hope everyone will further develop their talents and strengths in collecting, composing new lyrics, performing, exchanging ideas, participating in competitions and festivals, and at the same time, seeking out new, young talents to develop the movement at the grassroots level. That is a flexible and innovative way to promote, preserve, and develop the creativity and vitality of folk art and Bài Chòi in contemporary life today..." , Mr. Thùy shared.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Giang performed the folk song " Quang Nam, the Nostalgia in My Heart" at the club's launch event.

At the club's launch event, Ms. Nguyen Thi Cam Giang, a music teacher at Duy Xuyen Primary School, sang the folk song "Quang Nam, the Nostalgia in My Heart" by author Le Trung Thuy with special emotion.

She recounted that with this folk song, she received guidance from Mr. Duong Tan Sang, currently the head of the club, on singing folk melodies and has won numerous awards at local festivals, performances, and cultural events.

“Since then, I have grown to love folk songs and Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game) even more, and I always guide my students in learning to sing folk songs and Bài Chòi with melodies about love for their homeland and country. The students really enjoy these singing lessons…” , Ms. Giang shared.

Prior to the merger, in the former Quang Nam province, there were 78 Bài Chòi clubs/teams/groups established by decisions of the Cultural Centers of districts, towns, and cities, the People's Committees of communes, wards, and townships, and the principals of primary and secondary schools.

This number is still quite modest compared to the potential and needs of social life; most of the core artisans participating in Bài Chòi clubs/teams/groups are elderly and face a very high risk of disappearing if their experience and skills in practicing this heritage are not passed on.

The model of folk song and Bài Chòi clubs as described above contributes significantly to the preservation and promotion of Bài Chòi art heritage in Da Nang city in the new context and requires attention and guidance to sustainably preserve and promote the value of Bài Chòi heritage, meeting the needs of society for enjoyment, activities, and entertainment, and promoting local tourism development.

Sharing feelings on the launch day of the Song Thu Folk Song and Bài Chòi Club.

Mr. Nguyen Tan Sanh, Chairman of the Song Thu Folk Song and Bai Choi Club, said: "The club was established not only to contribute to improving the cultural and spiritual life of the people, but also to provide further motivation to preserve and promote the artistic values ​​of folk songs and Bai Choi."

The members also hope that the club will continue to grow, bringing together people who love folk songs and Bài Chòi (a traditional Vietnamese folk game), especially in passing on the passion to the younger generation, creating a healthy and beneficial playground, contributing to promoting and spreading the art form of Bài Chòi, which has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, and at the same time contributing to meeting the cultural and artistic needs of the people.

It is known that in early 2024, the People's Council of the former Quang Nam province approved a project stipulating the level of support for the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage of Bai Choi art in Quang Nam province, for the period 2024-2030, to be implemented in 18 districts, towns, and cities throughout the former Quang Nam province.

The beneficiaries are Bài Chòi clubs/teams/groups established by competent authorities, with regulations and statutes, organizing activities and maintaining regular operations. This also applies to agencies, units, organizations, and individuals involved in the support for the preservation and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage of Bài Chòi art in Quang Nam province during the period 2024-2030.

The project aims to continue preserving and promoting the value of Bài Chòi – an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This includes increasing the scale, number, and quality of Bài Chòi clubs/teams; contributing to the promotion and honoring of the unique values ​​of Bài Chòi art in the province; and supporting the continued preservation, transmission, dissemination, and promotion for future generations.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/tiep-noi-mach-nguon-dan-ca-bai-choi-172682.html