Warm Theater Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony at the home of Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh

(NLDO) - In early October, the Ngoc Khanh opera troupe held a ceremony to commemorate the death anniversary of the theater's founder with the participation of many young artists and audiences.

At his home in Tam Binh ward - Ho Chi Minh City, with the participation of many young artists and audiences, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh - the teacher of singer Phuong My Chi, who was honored by Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper in the program "Mai Vang Nhan Ai", respectfully held the Theater Ancestor's Death Anniversary ceremony.

The altar of the Ancestors at the Ancestor's Death Anniversary ceremony is solemnly decorated during the Ancestor's Death Anniversary ceremony. Photo: Thao Van

The artist never rests with his profession.

No grand stage, no bright lights, but the ceremony space is still solemn, warm and full of emotions - like an annual "meeting place" for those who are passionate about the art of hát bội.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh at the Theatre Ancestor's Death Anniversary ceremony organized by the Ngoc Khanh Traditional Tuong Opera Troupe. Photo: Mai Nhi

At the age of over 70, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh still directly presides over, writes scripts, edits excerpts, and guides students in every movement, eye contact, and makeup. She does not consider performing as "reenacting" the past, but as a way to preserve a part of the national soul.

Despite not having strong support from the professional stage, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh still maintains regular training sessions, stage plays, and performances. She shared: "The profession of hát bội has faded away, no longer having a place like before. But the children still follow the profession - that is something to be very proud of so that this profession can be passed down for generations to come."

The Five Elements Ceremony is performed by young artists of the Ngoc Khanh Ancient Tuong Opera Art Troupe. Photo: Mai Nhi

After the traditional rituals such as the Great Ceremony, the Three Talents, the Four Heavenly Kings, the Five Elements and the Gia Quan Dang Phuoc, young artists performed excerpts from the Goddess Offering the Five Spirits, and the So Van Rescues the Price... vividly recreating the quintessence of opera, bringing the audience a solemn yet emotional atmosphere.

Loyalty to profession and colleagues

The highlight of this year’s Ancestor Commemoration Ceremony is the presence of Meritorious Artist Linh Hien – a Cai Luong artist who has always had a special affection for Hat Boi. Both of them offered incense to pay tribute to their ancestors, as a reminder of the responsibility to keep the traditional stage alive.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh and Meritorious Artist Linh Hien (from left to right) at the Ancestor's Death Anniversary ceremony. Photo: Gia Phuc

"I have been in the profession for 46 years. Today is an opportunity for us to thank our predecessors, teachers and ancestors. Ms. Ngoc Khanh and I are also the ones who guide the younger generation so that the traditional opera and Ho Quang reformed opera can continue," Meritorious Artist Linh Hien shared.

The ceremony also had the participation of young artists: Xuan Huong, Thanh Quang, Van Anh… They brought with them their love for the profession, responsibility and aspiration to make hát bội not only a memory, but also present in contemporary cultural life.

The performances, though short, were full of the characteristics of hát bội: from music, costumes to acting techniques. The success of the ceremony was the result of the efforts of Meritorious Artist Ngọc Khanh and the support of artists and admiring audiences.

Theatre Ancestor's Death Anniversary - The Place That Keeps the Fire of Hat Boi

Honored in the "Golden Mai Nhan Ai" program organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh also introduced many struggling opera artists to receive support, showing her sharing heart, not only preserving and passing on the profession but also taking care of her colleagues, adding more strength to stick with traditional art.

The dedication of Meritorious Artist Ngoc Khanh and the Ngoc Khanh opera troupe is proof that opera will never disappear – as long as there are people keeping the fire alive, traditional art will still live and still have the opportunity to stand firm in today's cultural flow.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/le-gio-to-san-khau-am-ap-tai-nha-nsut-hat-boi-ngoc-khanh-196251005135744154.htm