Nghe Tinh Opera – Trends of Integration and Development

Attending the workshop from the central level were: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen The Ky - Former Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Chairman of the Central Council for Literary and Artistic Criticism; and Dr. Nguyen Dang Chuong - Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Theatre Artists.

Representing Nghe An province were: Mr. Bui Dinh Long - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; and Ms. Tran Thi My Hanh - Director of the Department of Culture and Sports.

Folk songs and folk music are forms of intangible cultural heritage that embody the spiritual, aesthetic, and intellectual values ​​of the people, created and passed down through centuries, becoming a source of pride for every citizen when reflecting on their homeland's heritage.

Since the 1970s, Nghe Tinh folk songs have been staged in the form of folk opera. This is a significant step forward, as Nghe Tinh folk songs, originally a form of folk performance closely associated with daily life, living environment, and production, have been elevated to a performing art, presented on stage to serve the public under the name: Nghe Tinh Folk Opera.

Following initial efforts, Nghe Tinh folk opera has gained recognition from theater circles nationwide. Many large-scale productions have been experimentally staged and presented to the people of the province, some other provinces and cities, and broadcast on mass media. After 50 years of being staged, Nghe Tinh folk songs have become a new genre of theatrical opera, recognized by theater circles and loved by audiences nationwide.

The Nghe Tinh Folk Opera Seminar – Integration Trends was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the birth of Nghe Tinh folk opera, aiming to affirm the value and contributions of the revolutionary theater of Nghe Tinh and the effectiveness of Nghe Tinh folk opera after 50 years of formation, experimentation, development, and the current state of this theatrical form.

At the same time, the workshop also serves as a forum for Nghe An province to consult with scientists, researchers in theoretical criticism, and managers, and to propose feasible and effective ideas and solutions to continue maintaining, building, and promoting the folk opera of Nghe Tinh in the context of integration and development.

The workshop received insightful contributions from researchers in theater, literature, and arts, focusing on clarifying the following issues: the value, role, and contributions of revolutionary theater in Nghe Tinh and the effectiveness of Nghe Tinh folk opera after 50 years of formation, experimentation, and development; the current state of Nghe Tinh theater and folk opera; and orientations and solutions for continuing to build and promote Nghe Tinh folk opera in the context of integration and development alongside other traditional theatrical forms of the nation.

Speaking at the workshop, Comrade Bui Dinh Long affirmed: The effectiveness of the Nghe Tinh folk opera genre in 50 years of development and experimental implementation has been proven in practice; through this, we can see the achievements and dedication of the actors and managers, and see a proud journey.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee assessed that the delegates presenting their papers had proposed many effective solutions to help folk opera theater grow stronger, deepen its appeal, receive more public attention, and develop sustainably in the context of integration.

The comrade noted the group of solutions discussed by the delegates: Policies and mechanisms, such as policies for training personnel; ...Improving the effectiveness of professional activities in the Nghe Tinh folk opera, ensuring that cultural products are directed towards the audience and meet the needs of society; Integrating folk songs into rituals and festivals.

The provincial leaders also requested that delegates and authorities pay attention to the opinions raised at the workshop in order to advise on policies and mechanisms to continue promoting the folk song heritage of Nghe An province; to ensure that performers have the best possible environment for development; and to focus on training young people in line with current trends.