New art project preserves folk singing of South

A project to preserve dien xuong (singing and talking), a folk singing genre which originated in the country’s southern region, will launch this week in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dien xuong, a folk singing genre of the southern region, is still performed by State-owned traditional art troupes in the area. (Photo: ngheanvannghe.vn)

Dien Xuong Nam Bo (Folk Singing Genre of the Southern Region) is organised by the Soul Music and Performing Arts Academy’s Soul Live Project, a long-term cultural programme that aims to expand Vietnamese traditional music and theatre.

The project includes a series of performances, talk shows and seminars featuring the history of dien xuong, including folk songs, dances and plays of different styles created and performed by southern farmers in the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

The project has received support from dozens of cultural researchers, music and theatre critics, and veteran performers of the region.

The project’s first workshop will include Gia Định-Sai Gon included Dieu Hat, Cau Ho Ngay Ay (Gia Dinh-Sai Gon: Songs and Dances in the Past), a 60-minute documentary featuring folk singing and dancing of the South performed by people from Gia Dinh-Sai Gon (now HCM City).

The film was directed by researcher Huynh Ngoc Trang, from the HCM City Institute of Culture and Arts Research. He has more than 20 years of experience in the art and has written more than 70 books and documentaries on traditional culture, fine arts and religion of the South.

The event will also feature performances of various styles of folk singing and dance staged by veteran artists.

The first workshop for Dien Xuong Nam Bo will begin at 7pm on April 8 at the Soul Live Complex (216 Pasteur Street in District 3). Entrance is free./.

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