Viet Nam: Court Theatre Music: Hat-Bôi

The traditional court theater of Vietnam is called hat bôi (hat: theater; bôi: masked or painted face). Although hat bôi bears a superficial resemblance to Chinese theater, the instrumentals and vocals are distinctly Vietnamese. This musical theater genre began in the early 14th century, reaching a peak in popularity in the 19th century. In the mid-20th century it all but vanished due to the rise of modern theatrical styles; however, the reunification of Vietnam in 1975 has resulted in further study and interest in the preservation of the tradition by educators and musicians.

This album recorded by noted musicologist Trân Văn Khê presents excerpts and scenes from traditional plays performed by musicians and singers from the Academy of Dramatic Art and the traditional theater troupe of Ho Chi Minh City.

Track Listing

101	Khai tràng, nhip môt and nhip ba	Van Long, Van Lua, Ngoc Anh, Van Tuong, Van Dap, Hanh	05:24
102	Excerpt from the play: Yên Phi Long tiên chông	Bà Nam Dô, Châu Ky, Van Long, Van Lua, Ngoc Anh, Van Tuong	17:37
103	Thân chu (incantation)	Van Long, Van Lua, Ngoc Anh, Van Tuong	03:10
104	Hat nam	Duong ngoc Bây, Van Long, Van Lua, Ngoc Anh, Van Tuong, Van Dap, Hanh	06:33
105	Excerpt from the play: Dào Tam Xuân bao phu cuu	Bà Nam Dô, Kim Thanh, Van Long, Van Lua, Ngoc Anh, Van Tuong	12:37