As part of the Hanoi Creative Design Festival 2023, on the evening of November 25, a panel discussion titled “Traditional Performing Arts and the Development of the Cultural Industry in Hanoi” took place at the Gia Lam Locomotive Factory.
Guests attending the panel discussion
This event was led by the School of Interdisciplinary Studies of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in collaboration with the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports.
The panel discussion featured the participation of distinguished individuals, including the meritorious artist Nguyen Trong Hinh, representing the Ai Lao dance group in Long Bien district; water puppet artist Chu Luong; Mr. Vu Tuan, Director of the Thang Long Traditional Music Center; Ms. Nguyen Le Quyen, Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotion Center of Vietnam; Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Lecturer in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
In his opening remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Viet Khoi, Vice Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, stated that the panel discussion aimed to introduce the diversity and potential of various traditional art forms in Vietnam and the opportunities and challenges in exploiting these forms in Hanoi’s cultural activities, cultural products, and creative endeavors. Through this discussion, participants had the opportunity to listen and exchange ideas with artists, artisans, cultural and artistic activists, and researchers in Hanoi. The focus was on collaborative approaches, exploration, and effective utilization of traditional performing arts to contribute to the development of the cultural industry nationwide and specifically in the capital, Hanoi.
A solo performance on the Dan Nhi (Vietnamese two-stringed fiddle) during the panel
According to meritorious artist Nguyen Trong Hinh, the Ai Lao singing and dancing art is closely associated with the legend of Saint Giong, who fought against foreign invaders. During the Giong Festival at Phu Dong Temple (held from the 7th to the 9th day of the 4th lunar month every year) in Ai Lao commune, participants engage in significant rituals at Thuong Temple, Mau Temple, and Ban Shrine. In 2016, Ai Lao dance was recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. However, this traditional folk performance is facing many difficulties in terms of preservation, development, and transmission to the younger generation. Nguyen Trong Hinh also emphasized that Ai Lao dance group members participate out of passion and responsibility for the cultural heritage left by their ancestors. Their activities are funded by the members themselves, with no external support. Notably, the members are aging, and there are currently no conditions for passing down the craft to younger generations. Therefore, there is a sincere hope for attention and support from authorities, especially the Department of Culture and Sports, to provide the necessary conditions for Ai Lao dance to be sustained and developed.
As someone who has worked at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, artist Chu Luong brought forth a discussion addressing concerns about the preservation and development of the traditional art of water puppetry. He shares: Currently, Hanoi boasts 5 traditional water puppetry wards, making it the locality with the highest concentration of such wards in the country. The beauty of water puppetry lies not only in the art of controlling puppets on water but also in the incorporation of various traditional art forms such as rowing and folk songs. Water puppetry has gained immense popularity among both domestic and international tourists. Many creative activities have also been derived from water puppetry, such as crafting puppet shapes, painting, and designing unique T-shirts. Therefore, alongside conservation efforts, promoting and spreading awareness of this unique art form to a wide audience holds significant importance. This contributes to nurturing talents that help water puppetry leverage its strengths in the development of the cultural industry in the capital.
A performance of Xam singing (traditional folk singing) during the panel discussion
During the panel discussion, insights shared by Mr. Vu Tuan, Director of the Thang Long Traditional Music Center, and Ms. Nguyen Le Quyen, Director of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Promotion Center of Vietnam, provided delegates with a deeper understanding of the challenges, advantages, and experiences in organizing traditional artistic performances. These not only generate “revenue” but also contribute to the promotion of these art forms to diverse audiences at home and abroad.
Sharing thoughts at the discussion, Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, Lecturer in the School of Interdisciplinary Studies at Vietnam National University, Hanoi, asserted that traditional performing arts need to strengthen connections with tourism and education. The linkage between traditional performing arts and tourism not only brings economic benefits but also contributes significantly to widespread promotion. Artistic entities can collaborate with schools to organize performances for students, enabling them to interact with artists. This activity helps students gain a deeper understanding of traditional arts, foster an appreciation for the arts, and contribute to shaping a younger generation with creative ideas about the arts in the future.
Ai Lao dance performance at the panel discussion
Participating in the panel discussion, Ms. Bui Thi Huong Thuy, Deputy Head of the Cultural Heritage Management Office (Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports), shared insights into Hanoi’s ongoing commitment to cultural development, particularly in the realm of intangible cultural heritage and the dedicated artists contributing to this domain. In a landmark move this year, the Hanoi People’s Committee issued Resolution No. 23, outlining incentives and support for folk artists and outstanding performers, as well as exemplary cultural heritage clubs within the realm of intangible cultural heritage in the city. Alongside specific provisions for individual artists, the resolution also stipulates concrete support measures for prominent clubs. Consequently, in the coming period, the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, along with the specialized divisions of Long Bien district, will guide Ai Lao Ward in fulfilling the requirements to qualify for the benefits outlined in Resolution No. 23.
During the panel discussion, attendees were treated to captivating performances showcasing Vietnam’s rich traditional arts, such as a solo performance on the “Seasonal Tales” by artist Nguyen Thanh Nhan from the Thang Long Traditional Music Center. Additionally, the spectacle titled “Northern Joy in the Capital” presented by artists Ngo Van Hao and Pham Van Trinh from the Promotion Center for Non-material Cultural Heritage of Vietnam featured the unique “Xam singing on electric train” art form. However, stealing the limelight was a remarkable Ai Lao dance, unparalleled and unrivaled, presented by Ai Lao Ward in Long Bien district, leaving a lasting impression on the diverse audience.
Nhat Linh