There are a decreasing number of people in Da Nang who are interested in the traditional stage performing arts.  Many local artistes expressed their worries about this at the recent Congress of the Da Nang Theatrical Artistes’ Association.

According to Meritorious Artiste Cao Dinh Lien, the city saw a few theatrical performances during the last year.  For example, artistes from the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theatre performed 40 evening shows last year.  Five years ago, they performed up to 3 shows each day at Tet festivals and on other special occasions.  However, there were no performances by other local art troupes over the recent Tet Festival.  In addition, the biannual “Tuong” (classical drama) and periodic folk song festivals, along with other public theatrical events, no longer take place in the city.

A local folk song performance

Also at the congress, local theatrical artistes discussed ways to preserve and develop the city’s traditional performing arts.  The focus will be on giving increased funding to introduce new dramas with more fascinating scripts to attract extra theatre-goers, and to train more theatrical talent.  Special attention will be paid to issuing preferential policies for local artistes who are involved in traditional Vietnamese stage art forms.