The program, jointly organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Education and Training, aims to introduce students to Tuong (classical Vietnamese opera) and Bai Choi folk opera.
It is part of a broader plan to integrate traditional stage arts into school curricula for the 2023–2026 period.
During the event, 132 students from Nguyen Hue Secondary School participated in interactive sessions where they learned about the history, costumes, props, and renowned artists of the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre.
Students also attended a performance of the Tuong play “Quang Trung Ascends the Throne”, presented by the Dao Tan Tuong Troupe, which brought to life Vietnam’s heroic past through powerful stage artistry.
In the Bai Choi folk singing segment, students joined the artists in holding Bai Choi cards and performing folk verses, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere.
“I really enjoy listening to Bai Choi folk opera because it feels familiar, cheerful, and witty. I feel proud of the traditional arts of the Vo region,” said seventh grader Doan Thao Vy.
Beyond performances, students took part in a Tuong mask painting workshop, carefully decorating character masks using templates provided by the organizers.
“Painting a mask is detailed and time-consuming, which helps me understand the dedication of the artists,” said Nguyen Le Nhat Linh, another student participant.
Le Phu Hoai An from Le Hong Phong Secondary School described the event as “an unforgettable experience,” noting that it helped her learn more about local culture while also keeping her painted mask as a memento.
Vice Principal Truong Thi Ngoc Phuong of Nguyen Hue Secondary School said students were enthusiastic from the outset, adding that the activity enriched their local education curriculum and inspired them to take pride in Vietnam’s artistic traditions.
In addition to activities in Quy Nhon Nam Ward, the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre has expanded its outreach to schools in Phu My and Tay Son districts.
People’s Artist Huynh Thi Kim Chau, Deputy Director of the theatre, said the institution continues to innovate its approach to make traditional arts exchanges more appealing to students.
Through such initiatives, Gia Lai aims to cultivate appreciation for traditional arts, guide artistically talented students toward potential careers, and develop future human resources for the Provincial Traditional Arts Theatre, while contributing to the preservation of the province’s intangible cultural heritage.
