'Tướng' motif is the character type that deeply reflects the dramatic element of hat boi practice from their singing-dialogues, costuming, to choreography. Photo hcmcpv.org.vn

The project, entitled "Types of Characters in Vietnamese hat boi: A Quick Guide", has been jointly conducted by Cultura Fish Group and the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO (ICHCAP). 

Founded in 2020, Cultura Fish is a project with the core mission to inspire and promote the beauty of Vietnamese traditional practices for the youth.

Fifteen typical hat boi characters are selected to be featured on the platform, along with illustrations and videos that explain their face makeup and performance techniques, like kép, lão or đào motifs.

The characters are performed by many famed artists of the art form like Huu Danh, Linh Phuoc, Linh Hien, together with many others from the Ho Chi Minh City Hat Boi Theatre.

The introduction of hat boi on the prestigious international platform is good news to enthusiasts of the Vietnamese traditional performing art. According to artist Dinh Bang Phi, it would help promote and connect the traditional culture with tourism.

"Most importantly, young Vietnamese at home and abroad are provided with an additional information channel to learn about the national art genre of hat boi. Particularly, it makes Vietnamese traditional art forms, including hat boi, approachable to people around the world,” he told Người Lao Động (Labourer) newspaper.

Artist Ngoc Khanh said that the diverse measures to approach traditional arts, especially promotional projects on digital platforms, have brought hat boi closer to young audiences.

After the success of projects that aim to promote folk art like Vang Vọng Trống Chầu (Echoing Ritual Drum) or Đường Đến Hát Bội (Road to Hat Boi), she also reckoned "Types of Characters in Vietnamese hat boi: A Quick Guide" would become an additional useful means to promote values among foreigners

“The English introduction will increase the interactions, enabling netizens around the globe to easily access and learn about Vietnam's traditional culture and art in general, and hat boi in particular, in the context of modern technology.

“In the complicated condition of the pandemic, such practical projects on digital platforms are urgently needed to help improve understanding about art,” Khanh said.

A quick guide on types of characters in Vietnamese hat boi is archived at https://www.ichlinks.com/exhibition/hat-boi/.

A hat boi performance. The theatre consists of singing and dancing to music. Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty. Photo hcmcpv.org.vn

Hat boi developed from folk art to a royal art in central and southern regions. It became particularly popular in central and southern provinces in the 1900s. 

The theatre consists of singing and dancing to music. Its themes include monarchist loyalty and patriotic duty. 

Hat boi plays feature old words, and the characters are often made up in black and red on their faces.

Source: Vietnam News

Hat boi club spreads traditional theatre among young people

To keep hát bội (classical drama) alive and introduce it to younger generations, a club in HCM City is offering online training from skilled artists.   

Startup uses high tech to popularize hat boi

Renewing hat boi (classical Vietnamese drama) with technology has increased interest in the art among young people as well as tourists.