"The gem" in the treasure trove of traditional art

Hat Boi is a traditional theater form with a long history, once performed in royal courts, associated with historical stories, loyalty and patriotism.

Artists from the Ho Chi Minh City Opera Theatre perform an excerpt from the play Xu Ba Dao Tu Hai Tho on the stage in front of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History. Photo: DUNG PHUONG

With colorful costumes, elaborate makeup and unique physical acting, hát bội is not only an entertaining art but also a precious folk cultural treasure.

With the desire to preserve traditional values, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera Theatre has promoted, connected and performed opera at a number of schools, while maintaining performances at Lang Duc Ta Quan Le Van Duyet (Gia Dinh ward) and Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden (Saigon ward)... every weekend.

Before the performance, the theater often organizes exchanges on how to dress up characters, perform traditional musical instruments, and introduce souvenir products associated with the art of hát bội, so that the audience can learn more about and love this unique traditional art form.

Artists in makeup before going on stage to perform

Artists perform a dance to welcome "The Sun and Moon Eight Heavenly Kings"

Outdoor opera stage, serving tourists in front of the Vietnam History Museum in the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Young foreign tourists try their hand at simulating symbolic horse riding movements with a whip typical of the art of hát bội.

Young audiences ask questions about traditional opera and hat boi art

Artists perform in a community service program

Foreign tourists film an outdoor performance

DUNG PHUONG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/vien-ngoc-quy-trong-kho-tang-nghe-thuat-truyen-thong-post812928.html