National treasure: Hat boi or tuong (classical drama), a genre of traditional theatre in the central and southern regions (Source: VNA) The project will offer young artists,mostly from local art troupes, free training in voice and performance skills atleading art schools and theatres, according to the province’s Department ofCulture, Sports and Tourism.
The department will work with culturalresearchers and historians to collect and restore old hat boi plays and gamesof bai choi. Experts will receive support from local agencies to preparedocuments to submit to UNESCO requesting recognition of bai choi as anintangible cultural heritage.
Art programmes for students at schools andyouth at cultural centres will also be featured.
Cultural officials will work with touristagencies in the region and HCM City to set up performance schedules aimedtourists.
Through the project, local authorities hopeto open 55 new hat boi and bai choi clubs.
Hat boi or tuong is often performed atceremonies and festivals at temples and pagodas in central and southernprovinces, such as Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Vinh Long, Can Tho, Tien Giang and SocTrang.
Artists in the 13th century entertainedroyalty with the art form, which was later adapted and introduced to residentsaround the region.
Stories in hat boi feature historicalevents and social problems. The actors, skilled in both singing and dance, dotheir own make-up and design their costumes.
Bai choi, which means bai (deck of cards)and choi (bamboo hut), has various performance styles: folk songs,poem-singing, acting, storytelling and music on traditional instruments.
The art is popular with local residents inBinh Dinh.-VNA
