In an interview with Gia Lai Broadcasting and Newspaper’s reporter, he shared insights into the importance of cultural preservation, the challenges of directing a large-scale festival, and his passion for heritage-based art.
Reporter: This is your second time returning to Gia Lai to direct a large-scale program. How do you feel about reuniting with this land and its people?
- Gia Lai was the first locality after the merger to boldly organize a major art program to showcase its new image. Returning this time, I have felt a mixture of emotions.
The whole country is preparing for new developmental strides, which also puts pressure on me: how can I surpass last year’s success while fully tapping into the heritage, heroic traditions, and vibrant contemporary life here?
That pressure is also motivation. The more I learn, the more I appreciate Gia Lai’s culture and its deep connection between the highlands and the lowlands, from the Côn River, the Sa Huỳnh and Champa cultures, to pioneers crossing An Khê Pass into the Central Highlands. It is a historical thread that we continue to tell through the language of art.
Reporter: What has impressed you most about the land and people here?
-The people of Bình Định (now Gia Lai) are renowned for their integrity and courage, inheriting the heroic Tây Sơn tradition. From provincial leaders to young people and students, I can feel that same spirit.
What I particularly appreciate is the community of artisans, artists, and martial arts students in Gia Lai.
They are willing to endure hardship and dedicate themselves to bringing hát bội, bài chòi, bả trạo, Bình Định martial arts, and gong performances to the stage. They are the soul and the roots that give the program vitality.
Reporter: As chief director, what message do you hope to convey through this festival?
- I believe economic development must go hand in hand with environmental and cultural preservation. Culture is the root and the identity. If we pursue development at the expense of culture, we lose our way.
That is why every performance, from folk songs and sea shanties to modern pop music, is grounded in tradition. I want to blend the highland gongs with the coastal bài chòi to highlight unity in diversity.
Behind the scenes, every performance is the result of professionals working with dedication and responsibility.
Reporter: A festival of this scale must come with many challenges.
- Absolutely. The first challenge is renewal, bringing something fresh compared with last year. Second, we must select the essence carefully, as presenting everything would dilute the value.
Most importantly, authenticity must be preserved. Gong players must be Jrai or Bahnar from the Gia Lai highlands; hát bội, bả trạo, and bài chòi artists must be locals.
Time is short, the team is large, and rehearsals take place in multiple locations, Gia Lai, Quy Nhơn, and Ho Chi Minh City.
The pressure is immense, but I believe that “pressure creates motivation.” Thanks to the unity of artisans and artists, difficulties turn into inspiration.
Reporter: Which moments of the program are you most proud of?
- The opening show conveyed the message of a new era, Vietnam’s resurgence, with Gia Lai developing while preserving its cultural roots.
One highlight was the imagery of Cham towers, the Apsara goddess statue, and folk-inspired performances, which evoked the Sa Huỳnh-Champa culture and the footsteps of pioneers expanding into the Central Highlands.
The folk song on the Côn River, “Ai về nhắn với nậu nguồn/ Mít non gửi xuống, cá chuồn gửi lên” (“If you return, tell those upstream/Send down young jackfruit, send up flying fish”), moved the audience deeply.
Another powerful moment was Văn Mai Hương’s performance of “Vietnam in my heart,” with the entire audience singing along.
Reporter: What is the significance of this festival in promoting Gia Lai’s image and tourism?
- This is the first major cultural event of the new Gia Lai province. Local leaders see it not only as an art program but also as a catalyst for tourism.
Even if viewers are not present in person, television and online broadcasts will show that in Gia Lai you can climb mountains in the morning, swim in the sea in the afternoon, and enjoy cơm lam, grilled chicken, a glass of Bàu Đá rice wine (around 250,000 VND [$10]) or ocean tuna in the evening.
They will also discover destinations such as Kỳ Co, Eo Gió, Hầm Hô, the Quang Trung Museum, and the communal houses of the highlands where gong culture thrives.
In this way, the program serves as an engaging communication channel to promote Gia Lai’s cultural and tourism resources.
Reporter: You seem passionate about “breathing cultural soul” into your programs. What drives you?
- I come from Tịnh Khê, Quảng Ngãi, part of the former Nghĩa Bình province. People in Central Vietnam endure many hardships, but such trials forge resilience. Each region has its own unique culture, not better or worse, just different.
At this point, my work is no longer about profit. I want to contribute and spread cultural values.
Each program reaches not only a few hundred people in the audience but also millions via television and the internet. That is both a responsibility and a joy.
Reporter: If you could send a message to Gia Lai audiences, what would it be?
- First of all, my deepest gratitude. Gia Lai audiences are very cultured and proud of their heritage. I hope they continue supporting artists and artisans, spreading positive values both on social media and in everyday life.
To young people, I encourage you to study, create, and carry on the preservation of heritage. To businesses, I hope you will join hands in sponsoring and supporting cultural programs, because this is an investment in a sustainable future.
Reporter: Thank you for sharing your insights. We wish you continued passion and success in bringing Vietnam’s history and culture to the public stage.
