From island communities to mainland towns, generations are nurturing the melodies, ensuring the tradition continues to resonate with future audiences.
On Cù Lao Xanh island, artists Trần Hữu Phước and Lê Thị Hoa (both born 1968) exemplify this devotion.
Raised on the island, they grew up with bài chòi melodies and met through the commune’s cultural performance team.
Their shared passion for the rustic verses not only forged a lasting marriage but also fueled their mission to sustain the heritage.
Their eldest son, Trần Huệ Thiện, now performs alongside them, while the family has founded a children’s bài chòi club, nurturing dozens of young island performers.
“We hope our children and grandchildren not only listen but also perform bài chòi, so its melodies will continue to resonate in our homeland for generations to come,” Phước said.
Hoa added that passion drives their dedication, noting that distance and travel are never obstacles: “If there’s no bus, we’ll take a boat.”
On the mainland, families in An Nhơn Nam and Tuy Phước communes are similarly sustaining the tradition.
Artists Phạm Thị Phương Nga (born 1972) and Nguyễn Đình Đa (born 1971) are a celebrated performing duo and teachers of local youth.
In Tuy Phước, Huỳnh Thị Điệp (born 1972) and Trần Đình Dư (born 1973) began performing together after a district revival program in 2016.
Their daughter, Trần Thị Như Long (13), has already won the promising actor award at the 2024 district folk Bài Chòi festival, inspired by her parents’ dedication.
Across these family “bài chòi homes,” traditional verses have become more than performance art, they are a bond connecting generations.
Families rehearse, perform, and teach, ensuring that the melodies of Bình Định remain vibrant, educational, and entertaining.
