Bringing folklore into schools.

If implemented appropriately, incorporating folk literature, including the stories of Uncle Ba Phi, into schools could become a vibrant educational method, helping to integrate many valuable lessons and essential skills for students today.

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Integrating education through storytelling.

In the treasure trove of Southern Vietnamese folklore, Uncle Ba Phi is a unique, relatable, and vibrant figure. His witty, exaggerated, yet optimistic stories not only provide entertainment but also reflect folk wisdom, a love of work, a love of nature, and the generous spirit of the people of the riverine region.

At first glance, the stories of Uncle Ba Phi seem to be filled with "unbelievable" details: crocodiles as numerous as coconut trees, tigers roaming the fields, or extraordinary hunting expeditions. But hidden behind that hearty laughter is a positive attitude towards harsh nature. It is this deliberate exaggeration that creates the unique artistic value of Uncle Ba Phi's stories, reflecting the aspiration to conquer nature and pride in a prosperous homeland.

The storytelling performances of Uncle Ba Phi by artist Hoang Phuc at schools incorporate many beneficial educational issues for students.

In Ca Mau , since 2023, artists Hoang Phuc and Quoc Tin have brought the stories of Uncle Ba Phi to schools and communities through short plays and excerpts from Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), receiving considerable attention from audiences, especially students. Simultaneously, the podcast series "Uncle Ba Phi - The Man and His Works," published on baocamau.vn, has also contributed to spreading the value of this heritage.

Artist Hoang Phuc shared: " If we want the children to love and preserve our heritage, first and foremost, they must know and understand who Uncle Ba Phi was, what makes those stories so great, and why our ancestors told them that way. "

Beyond its cultural value, the character of Uncle Ba Phi is also suitable for integrating soft skills education such as communication, presentation, and creative language. Students are encouraged to retell the story in their own way or create "modern-day Ba Phi stories," thereby developing critical thinking and a healthy sense of humor. From this, teachers can also incorporate moral lessons about the boundary between artistic fiction and lying in life, the importance of optimism without complacency, and the need for responsible action.

From folk theater to the classroom

Based on his experience interacting with young audiences, artist Hoang Phuc conceived the idea of ​​introducing folk literature and the stories of Uncle Ba Phi into schools. In collaboration with the Vinabacus Center, the program was implemented in many primary and secondary schools in the province, such as Nguyen Van Troi Primary School, Nguyen Dinh Chieu Primary School, Tan Hung Primary School, Ho Thi Ky High School, etc., creating a positive impact.

With his simple acting style, dressed in traditional Vietnamese clothing and a checkered scarf, artist Hoang Phuc transformed into Uncle Ba Phi, recreating familiar stories such as catching monitor lizards, trapping lotus birds, catching Ca Mau shrimp , the turtle ship..., creating special enjoyment for the students.

Artist Hoang Phuc played the role of Uncle Ba Phi, interacting with students at Nguyen Van Troi Primary School.

Phuc recounted: "Stepping onto the stage and seeing the children cheer with delight, I knew that the artistic value of Uncle Ba Phi's stories still lives on strongly in the hearts of young audiences."

Most of the schools the program visited attracted large numbers of students who watched attentively. “There were schools with over a thousand students, and they sat very attentively, applauding non-stop. At the end of the program, they even ran up to ask for autographs and handshakes from ‘Uncle Ba,’ and then asked, ‘Uncle Ba, please give me your phone number and address,’ which made me both happy and emotional,” shared artist Hoang Phuc.

"Uncle Ba Phi" Hoang Phuc poses for a commemorative photo with the students.

According to Mr. Phuc, introducing the stories of Uncle Ba Phi into schools is not only a way to preserve heritage, but also a journey to renew folk culture with a contemporary feel. “The stories of Uncle Ba Phi are not just for entertainment, but a way for people of the past to talk about their homeland with pride and hearty laughter. If we know how to modernize them, they will be a beautiful bridge between yesterday and today. At any stage, a hearty, positive smile is always needed to dispel worries, and especially, that smile is closely connected to the love of the land and its people,” artist Hoang Phuc expressed.

Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/dua-van-hoc-dan-gian-vao-hoc-duong-a125478.html