
On Saturday mornings, a small boat carrying artists from Tây Đô Theater floats on the Cái Răng Floating Market, offering folk music performances to traders and tourists. The soulful tunes of Tài tử music and the sweet melodies of Vọng cổ songs enhance the charm of the floating market, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the river culture fully. Tô Thúy Kiều, a tourist from Cà Mau, shared, "Visiting the floating market, watching how traders do business, enjoying a bowl of bún riêu (Vietnamese crab noodle soup) and a cup of coffee, and especially listening to Vọng cổ on the river—it’s an amazing experience!" Artists Hồng Thủy and Lê Duy, who have been part of this program for years, said that performing for the audience is an honor, especially on the rivers of Cần Thơ. The enthusiasm and appreciation from tourists, some of whom even join in and take photos, greatly motivate the performers.
Meanwhile, the regular weekend art performances at Ninh Kiều Wharf have, over the years, become a beloved cultural tradition. The program offers a diverse and vibrant mix of traditional and modern performances by adopting a socialized approach and involving various non-public art units. Many visitors to Cần Thơ have been delighted to witness these artistic showcases.
Following the success of these regular performances, the People's Committee of Cần Thơ City has recently approved a proposal from Can Tho Municipal Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to continue these programs in 2025. According to the department, four regular art programs will be organized.
The first is the Đờn Ca Tài Tử performances at Cái Răng Floating Market every Saturday and Sunday morning. A total of 104 performances are planned for the year, each lasting 60 minutes, featuring classic pieces from the 20 core songs of Đờn Ca Tài Tử, excerpts from Cải Lương opera, and short theatrical performances. Tây Đô Theater will take charge of 52 performances on Saturday mornings. At the same time, the Cultural, Sports, and Broadcasting Center of Cái Răng District will be responsible for another 52 performances on Sunday mornings.
Another notable program is "Dạ Cổ Cầm Thi," an art show organized by Tây Đô Theater. It takes place at 7:00 PM on the last Sunday of each month, featuring Cải Lương opera excerpts, Vọng cổ songs, and folk performances. Tây Đô Theater will collaborate with various public and private art groups in the city to bring this program to life.
At Ninh Kiều Wharf, every Saturday evening, two alternating programs will take place: one dedicated to Đờn Ca Tài Tử and Cải Lương, and the other a general performing arts show. The first performances are scheduled to begin in April 2025. This year, the Cần Thơ Cultural Center is making significant investments in both programs.
For the Đờn Ca Tài Tử and Cải Lương performances, organizers will focus on showcasing musical works that promote Cần Thơ tourism. The program will blend classic pieces with new compositions that reflect modern life to attract younger audiences. A well-structured narrative will connect the performances, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow. Additionally, dance sequences will be added to enhance the visual appeal of the songs.
As for the general performing arts show, a key highlight will be the seamless fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. The performances will include a variety of styles and formats, from traditional instrumental ensembles, folk singing, and lyrical ballads to pop music, folk dances, modern dance, and sports dance. The entire program will follow a coherent theme, with narrations linking each act.
These regular performances continue contributing to Cần Thơ’s cultural vibrancy and tourism appeal, offering locals and visitors an immersive artistic experience.
Source: Cantho News - Translated by Hoang Dat