The theme “Custodians of Ethnic Colors” defines the Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance Competition 2023, organized by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports and entrusted to the City Cultural Center. The aim is to continue evoking pride in the distinctive traditional cultural values of the ethnic groups and the capital, honoring organizations and individuals who have dedicated themselves to the preservation, inheritance, and promotion of Vietnam’s cultural essence during the era of integration and development.
Numerous forms of intangible cultural heritage of ethnic groups and the traditional arts of the capital, such as “Chau van” singing, “Ca tru” singing, “Xam” singing, “Do” singing, “Cheo tau” singing, “Trong quan” singing, “Bai bong” dance, puppetry, have been registered for the competition. The competition received 44 video clips from 35 units, individuals, cultural and artistic clubs at the grassroots level, cultural and sports centers, information and sports centers of districts, towns, and contributing collaborators from the City Cultural Center. This has created a widespread impact, instilling strong inspiration within the community, especially among those passionately involved in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of their ethnic group. Following the Preliminary round, utilizing a video clip judging format, the 16 most outstanding units were selected to advance to the Competition Finals.
UNESCO Hanoi Traditional Music Club: Presentation of “Singing to Celebrate Thang Long – Hanoi”
People’s Art Club of Trung Van Ward (Nam Tu Liem District): Chau van singing performance “Ms. Sau Son Trang”
Truc Mai Ca Tru Club (Ba Dinh District): “Bai Bong Singing and Dancing”
Center for Culture, Information, and Sports of Quoc Oai District: Do singing “Melody of Boat Rowing”
Trung Lap Cheo Singing Club (Tri Trung Commune, Phu Xuyen District): Cheo singing “Hanoi in Spring”
Ha Thanh Ca Tru Club: Ca tru singing “Don Dai Thach”
Cheo Tau Club, Tan Hoi Commune (Dan Phuong District): Cheo tau singing “Wishing Mrs. Deity”
Ca Tru Club, Thuong Mo Commune (Dan Phuong District): Ca tru singing “First Male”
Cheo and Folk Singing Club, Center for Culture, Information, and Sports of Thanh Oai District: Cheo singing “Offering Lotus to Uncle Ho”
Witnessing the performances of intangible cultural heritage, the audience is transported back in time, reliving the traditional cultural space. Traditional art forms are rejuvenated with contemporary colors. The Hanoi Van and Chau Van Singing Club presented the piece “Singing to Celebrate Hanoi – Vietnam,” while the People’s Art Club of Trung Van Ward (Nam Tu Liem District) performed “Ms. Sau Son Trang,” eliciting a spectrum of emotions that are simultaneously realistic and mysteriously divine. Van and Chau Van singing possess a captivating enchantment that captivates the hearts of the audience due to their remarkable fusion of lyrics, music, dance, and lively atmosphere. In the past, Chau Van singing was predominantly performed in temples and shrines. However, over time, these art forms have spread and become prevalent in various cultural and artistic community activities.
The Phu Nhieu Bai Bong Dance Club from Quang Trung Commune, Phu Xuyen District, took center stage with their performance of the “Bai Bong Dance”. This folk dance, characterized by its melodious rhythm, exuded a joyful atmosphere. The vibrant, harmonious, and colorful costumes worn by the dancers left a lasting impression on the audience.
The Thanh Xuan Traditional Arts Club presented a Xam singing performance titled “Proud Thang Long – Hanoi.” Xam singing is the most distinctive form of folk culture and art with its unique music and storytelling style. The performance, featuring the participation of many children, brought a refreshing element to the competition. It began with a poetic verse praising the refined qualities in the behavior of the city’s inhabitants, evoking a sense of pride and emotion:
“Even without fragrance, it is like jasmine,
Though not elegant, they are Trang An people.”
The Cheo Tau Club from Tan Hoi Commune, Dan Phuong District, showcased the performance of “Wishing Mrs Deity.” The term “tau” simply refers to boats, conveying the idea of river boats. The Cheo Tau singing style involves singing during boat rides transporting troops to battle. Notably, this singing ritual is held on land, incorporating responsive melodies, offering a unique experience for the audience.
The Trung Lap Cheo Singing Club from Tri Trung Commune, Phu Xuyen District, presented the performance “Hanoi in Spring” with Cheo vocals from young girls, inviting the audience to enjoy the lively and vibrant Cheo singing. The costumes, dance moves, lyrics, and charisma of the club members brought the essence of “Hanoi in Spring” to the stage, showcasing intangible cultural heritage.
The Ngu Cau Tuong Singing Club from An Thuong Commune, Hoai Duc District, performed an excerpt from the historical Tuong play “Fire at Thien Truong.” Through the exceptional embodiment of characters, the club members narrated the story of Thoat Hoan, Hot Tat Liet’s son, who tried every means and cunning tactic to bribe and entice the talented general Tran Binh Trong but failed. Pointing directly at Thoat Hoan’s face, Tran Binh Trong declared, “I would rather be a demon of the South than a lord of the North.” The atmosphere and the death of Tran Binh Trong added fuel to the flames of hatred throughout the entire army and people of Dai Viet during the Tran Dynasty, contributing to the victory against the Mongol invaders.
In total, 16 performances from participating units in the “Custodians of Ethnic Colors” Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance Competition Hanoi – 2023 were diverse in genre, performance style, and age range, featuring artists over 80 years old to young children in elementary school. The appearance of a traditional orchestra performed by visually impaired individuals demonstrated enthusiasm and passion, showcasing the tireless dedication of artists, actors, and musicians as an unceasing “stream” in the cultural life of the nation in general, and the capital city of Hanoi in particular.
Awards were distributed, including 1 first prize, 5 second prizes, 10 third prizes, 10 consolation prizes, and 10 special consolation prizes. Special prizes were awarded for dedication by elderly artists, dedication by visually impaired orchestras, impressive performances, meticulous investment programs, outstanding young members, promising Ca tru singing, and outstanding movements, acknowledging the efforts and contributions of participating units, collectively achieving success in the competition.