Dozens of performers of bai choi, a performance-slash-game in which participants bet on the missing words of poems or folksongs, have just gathered together at the Binh Dinh Cultural Centre to discuss on a plan of restoring the traditional bai choi troupe and bai choi festival.
Senior bai choi artisans such as impresarios Tin and Luong, performers Le Thi Dao, Le Hoa, Manh Ho, Minh Duc and Van Minh, and instrumentalists Nguyen Van Quy, the instrumentalist Nguyen Ke Duyet and young fans of bai choi from different districts and Quy Nhon joined a meeting on Sept. 11.
They all shared information about the causes making bai choi fall into oblivion. After the death of the meritorious artist Phan Ngan, the Binh Dinh bai choi troupe broke up as there was no leader.
Many of its performers joined amateur Tuong (classical drama) troupes to earn their living. The bai choi performances have became less frequent, less professional since then. The genre of folk music also faces risks of not having next generations of the performers.
“The root of bai choi is the bai choi festival. Some previously did studies in this field but the studies were all incomplete,” said Nguyen An Pha, a member of the management panel for bai choi preservation project. “It is more warning that the form of art is falling into oblivion and being distorted into a disguise of gambling.”
“The implementation of the project on the preservation of Binh Dinh’s bai choi festival will help restore the valuable cultural trait.”
Binh Dinh Province Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism will soon facilitate the troupe’s leadership vote and provide fund for the troupe operation after the reunion.
The artisan Le Thi Dao said, “I’m 85 but I don’t want to be an outsider. As long as I am still strong enough, I will teach bai choi for the young generations.”
“We went our separate ways to Tuong classical drama because of the dire financial pressure. Yet, our hearts are always boiling with the fire of ardent love for bai choi,” said the impresario Luong. “Whenever the troupe needs us, we will immediately reply with enthusiastic devotion.”
All participants received a handout containing folk verses about 27 cards. They would learn the verses by heart and meet together 10 days later to practice the bai choi. They would take turn to play role of the chief singer and rehearse some of scenes as preparation for the forthcoming festival.
“I have never felt so excited and hopeful. I wish the plan will soon become true so that the beauty of bai choi can shine,” artisan Minh Duc said happily.
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