The HCM City Hát Bội Theatre introduces an excerpt from the play Trần Hưng Đạo Ra Quân (General Trần Hưng Đạo Goes into Battle) for students at the Trần Khánh Dư Primary School in Tân Định Ward on March 9. — Photo courtesy of the theatre

HCM CITY — HCM City has kicked off its annual programme to promote traditional performing arts in schools.

The programme, called Sân Khấu Học Đường (Theatre in School), is supported by the city Department of Culture and Sports to introduce students to traditional music and performing arts such as cải lương (reformed opera) and hát bội (classical drama).

It also features excerpts from classical plays about Việt Nam’s history and culture, national heroes, and Vietnamese fairy tales.

The HCM City Hát Bội Theatre presents plays Trần Hưng Đạo Ra Quân (General Trần Hưng Đạo Goes into Battle), and Martyr Võ Thị Sáu, portraying a national heroine who fought against the French colonialists and was executed by them.

Students can join interactive activities with the artists to learn about hát bội, its movement and techniques, and how to distinguish the good, bad and evil characters through masks.

Nguyễn Thanh Bình, head of the theatre’s performing arts office, said that through these activities, they wanted to bring the joy of theatre to young students and nurture their love for the country.

Hát bội evolved from a folk art to a royal art in the central and southern regions, featuring singing and dancing to music. The art became particularly popular in the 1990s.

Hát bội plays feature old words, and characters often wear black-and-red facial make-up. Its themes include loyalty to the monarchy and patriotic duty.

Cải lương star Kim Tiểu Long performs at Bình Tân High School in Bình Tân Ward on March 9. — Photo courtesy of the school

Apart from hát bội, the programme features tài tử music and vọng cổ (nostalgic tune), two traditional art forms originating in the southern region over 100 years ago.

The performances present famous artists from the city’s leading cải lương troupes, such as Meritorious Artist Kim Tiểu Long and Hoàng Thanh.

Young singers and performers from the Lạc Long Quân Theatre Club are also included. The club is under the management of the Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre, the city’s leading traditional art troupe.

Tài tử music is the prototype for vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) and cải lương (reformed opera) of southern Việt Nam. The art was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013.

Vọng cổ songs feature the hopes and dreams of southern farmers who often sing songs while working in the fields or at traditional festivals and weddings.

The city plans to bring the programme to around 50 schools during the 2025-2026 school year. — VNS