Hat Boi: Echoes of the Past and the Journey to Regain Glory

When mentioning Hat Boi, a form of theatrical art that has been deeply imprinted in the souls of the Vietnamese people, one cannot help but think of colorful performances, the resounding sounds of drums and gongs, and heroic historical figures vividly recreated on stage. From North to South, Hat Boi has become an indispensable part of cultural life, especially in the Central and Southern regions, where this art has been loved and developed strongly for hundreds of years.

Perhaps few people know that Hat Boi has gone through a long journey to achieve its current status. Since the 17th century, when Dao Duy Tu (1572 - 1634), a famous mandarin under the Nguyen Lords, brought Hat Boi from the North to Dang Trong, this art gradually captured the hearts of the people here. Over the centuries, under the talented hands of artists like Dao Tan, Hat Boi is not simply a folk art but has risen to become a royal art, sponsored by the Hue court. Classic plays such as "Son Hau", "Dien Vo Dinh", "Tam Nu Do Vuong" have been deeply engraved in the hearts of audiences, expressing the heroic spirit, loyalty and noble moral values ​​of the Vietnamese people.

An excerpt from the play “Dao Tam Xuan raises the flag”. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP

However, with the constant changes of time, Hat Boi cannot avoid ups and downs. From being the main performing art in festivals and ceremonies, Hat Boi gradually had to give way to new, more modern art forms. The once famous Hat Boi troupes such as Dong Thinh, Bau Luong, Bau Mau... now only remain in the memories of those who love traditional art. However, the passion in the hearts of the artists has never been extinguished. They continue to be attached to the stage, continuing to teach the younger generation with the hope of preserving and spreading the flame of art, so that Hat Boi will never be forgotten.

Nowadays, efforts to preserve and promote the value of Hat Boi are being stepped up in many localities across the country. From Binh Dinh, Vinh Long, Quang Ngai, to other lands, teaching, restoration and promotion programs of Hat Boi are gradually bringing this art form closer to the public, especially the youth. Not only performances during festivals, Hat Boi is also integrated into cultural tourism programs, creating a unique tourism product, attracting the attention of domestic and foreign tourists. This is both a way to preserve Hat Boi and an opportunity to introduce and spread the unique cultural values ​​of the Vietnamese people to international friends.

The characters are impressively shaped. Photo: Thong Hai/VNP

The journey to regain the glory of Hat Boi is a story of perseverance and passion. Despite facing many challenges, with the tireless efforts of artisans, cultural managers, and the attention of the public, Hat Boi is gradually restoring its position in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. This is not only the journey of an art form, but also the journey of an entire culture, where the past and present blend together to build the future.

In the echoing sound of drums and gongs, Hat Boi continues to live, continues to tell historical stories, continues to convey the spiritual values ​​of the Vietnamese people. Those melodies, despite the ups and downs of time, are forever echoes of the past, and a never-ending journey to regain the glory of traditional Vietnamese theatrical art.

Hoang Anh