Khmer Art Troupe - Preserving the cultural identity of the Khmer people in the South

After merging into Can Tho City, the Khmer Art Troupe (formerly part of the old Soc Trang province) continues to promote its role as a “flame” to preserve and spread Southern Khmer culture. In the new environment, the troupe still maintains its performing activities, teaches art and serves the community with a high sense of responsibility.

A play called Du Ke performed by the Khmer Art Troupe.

Having the opportunity to visit the Khmer Art Troupe during the days of preparation for the performances, we saw that the rehearsal atmosphere here was very urgent and serious. From the troupe leaders to the artists, actors, and musicians, everyone devoted themselves to the art performances. The characteristic pentatonic music combined with graceful dances has become a vivid symbol of the quintessence of Khmer culture. Each performance is invested in and staged elaborately and thoughtfully to convey practical and meaningful information to serve the Khmer people in the region and the art-loving audience.

Currently, despite many difficulties in terms of mechanism, personnel and facilities after the merger, the team of artists, musicians and staff of the troupe still constantly strive to overcome difficulties and practice diligently. Mr. Luu Thanh Hung, Head of the Khmer Art Troupe, shared: “We not only perform for the people, but also open classes to teach the art of ro-bam, pentatonic music, rom vong dance, etc., attracting hundreds of young students. That is the way to preserve national art in the long term.”

Over the years, the Khmer Art Troupe has become a “common home” for many art forms such as music and dance, Du Ke theater, Robam, etc. The performances not only enrich the spiritual life of the Khmer people in and outside the city on occasions such as Chol Chnam Thmay, Sene Dolta, and the peace-praying ceremony, but also contribute to promoting Khmer cultural values to the community. Mr. Son Sa Ry in Long Phu commune, Can Tho city, expressed: “Every time the troupe comes to perform, the whole neighborhood is as happy as a festival. I feel like I am reliving the memories of the bustling festival seasons of the past.”

In 2024, the troupe built many programs to serve major events inside and outside the province; participated in the National Music and Dance Festival in Binh Duong , winning 2 gold medals and 3 silver medals. In the first 6 months of 2025, the troupe performed 15 performances to serve political tasks; organized 47 performances in remote areas, attracting more than 47,000 viewers.

During a recent visit and working session with the delegation, Mr. Nguyen Van Bay, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Can Tho City, acknowledged the efforts of the group and affirmed that he would advise the city's leaders to create favorable conditions for the delegation to continue promoting its role as the core of Khmer ethnic art after the unification.

With its enthusiasm, the Khmer Art Troupe is not only a place to preserve traditional culture, but also a core force in the journey to bring Khmer national identity far and wide.

Article and photos: THACH PICH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/doan-nghe-thuat-khmer-noi-gin-giu-ban-sac-van-hoa-dong-bao-khmer-nam-bo-a188658.html