Family lights up the fire of Bài Chòi, extending the source of heritage

(GLO)- Not only is it a folk performing art form associated with the festive atmosphere, Bài Chòi also permeates every home, becoming a bond that connects families. In many localities in the East of the province, many families are nurturing their love for their hometown melodies, turning their passion into a pillar of happiness.

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When talking about families attached to Bài Chòi, people often remember Meritorious Artist Trần Hữu Phước and Artist Lê Thị Hoa (both born in 1968) - the voices that have resonated for many years amidst the vast waves of Cù Lao Xanh (Nhôn Châu Commune). Few people know that it was those simple chants that brought them together, forming a lasting love.

Meritorious artist Tran Huu Phuoc and artist Le Thi Hoa perform Bai Choi for tourists at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square (Quy Nhon Ward). Photo: Nguyen Dung

Born and raised on a remote island, in the lullaby imbued with the melody of Bài Chòi, both of them soon felt the attraction of their homeland's tunes. In their youth, they met in the commune's volunteer art troupe. From their shared love of Bài Chòi, they became performing partners, then husband and wife, continuing the journey of preserving their ancestors' heritage.

The family of Meritorious Artist Tran Huu Phuoc often sings and practices Bai Choi together. Clip: Dung Nhan

On land, there are also “bai choi houses” in their own unique way. Meritorious Artist Pham Thi Phuong Nga (born in 1972) and Nguyen Dinh Da (born in 1971, An Nhon Nam Ward) are a couple familiar to the public. Interestingly, Nga was the first to fall in love, while Da was one of her first students, and gradually became good co-stars.

Meritorious Artist Pham Thi Phuong Nga and Nguyen Dinh Da are a compatible pair of actors. Photo: NVCC

For Ms. Huynh Thi Diep (born in 1972, Tuy Phuoc commune), the journey to Bai Choi began with her husband. In 2016, when the district organized a restoration and training session on Bai Choi singing, Mr. Tran Dinh Du (born in 1973) was assigned to participate. In the beginning, she just followed along to cheer, then gradually became a co-performer.

“At first, I just wanted to support my husband in pursuing his hobby. But the more I listened and practiced, the more I found the Bai Choi very charming, simple, humorous, and educational . So now my husband has become the one who leads me to stick with this genre for a long time,” Ms. Diep shared with a smile.

Keep the passion, pass on the legacy

In Cu Lao Xanh, Mr. Phuoc and Mrs. Hoa's love for Bai Choi continues to the next generation. In particular, the eldest son Tran Hue Thien has been familiar with the sound of the drums and the Thai songs since he was a child, and has now become a young artist contributing to the continuation of the passion.

Not stopping at performing, Mr. Phuoc’s family also established a Bai Choi Children’s Club at the school, gathering dozens of children on the island. When there is an opportunity, the children are taken to interact and perform, turning simple chants into luggage to help them gain more confidence.

According to Ms. Hoa, the greatest joy of an artist is to sing and serve the audience. Photo: Nguyen Dung

Mr. Phuoc confided: "We hope that our children and grandchildren will not only know how to listen but also know how to sing, so that tomorrow the sound of Bài Chòi will still echo in our homeland."

As for the long journey by ferry when performing, Ms. Hoa just smiled simply: "If we love each other, we can climb any mountain, wade any river, cross any pass/ Don't worry about the long distance, if we don't take the bus, we'll take the train." For her, when it comes to passion, the distance is not a concern. The greatest joy of an artist is to sing, serve the audience, cherish every opportunity to bring laughter and joy to people and tourists everywhere.

Ms. Hoa also revealed the “secret” to keeping the audience: “Before each performance, we always review old lines, learn new lines, and introduce our hometown, famous landscapes, and landscapes. The performances must also be flexible and in harmony to create a truly attractive space for the festival.”

Families who are passionate about Bài Chòi often meet, share their passion and serve fans together. Photo: NVCC

In An Nhon Nam, Nga and Da are affectionately called “acting partners”. Not only do they share the stage, they also enthusiastically teach the local youth, opening a cultural address for young people to learn and nurture their love for Bài Chòi.

In Tuy Phuoc, Ms. Diep and Mr. Du's family also regularly participate in community programs. The passion spreads to their daughter Tran Thi Nhu Long (13 years old). Long just won the Promising Actor award at the 2024 District Folk Card Playing Festival.

Ms. Diep and Mr. Du's family also regularly participate in community programs. Photo: Nguyen Dung

“Watching my parents practice, my child also imitated and shouted along. At first, he just played for fun, but gradually he learned the lyrics and learned to change the tune. Seeing that he liked it, we took him to perform with us, as a way to strengthen the family bond,” Ms. Diep shared.

From small homes, the love of Bài Chòi has been lit, extended and spread. It is not only a way to preserve a traditional art form, but also a continuation of the cultural source - where the family becomes the cradle to nurture and pass on the fire.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/gia-dinh-thap-lua-bai-choi-noi-dai-mach-nguon-di-san-post566503.html