Preservation and promotion of Đờn ca Tài tử in the Southwest

Abstract

In the South of Vietnam exist many cultural heritages of the Kinh which need to be preserved, such as “ca Vọng cổ”, “Cải lương”, “Đờn ca Tài tử” etc. Recently, “Đờn ca Tài tử” has, with honour, been recorded as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. That is good news, but it is not easy at all to preserve and promote cutural heritage of this kind in the current socio-economic situation. Therefore, a great concern of the whole society is needed. This paper refers to the actual state of “Đờn ca Tài tử” at present: lack of communication strategy, heavily subsidized without economic effects, etc. From there, the paper tries to make some suggestions for the preservation and promotion of this traditional music form which is not only regconized by UNESCO but also admired by a huge number of Southern people, professionals, scientists from many regions in the country with deep concern. The suggestions form an integrated solution including human resources training, initial support from the budget of government, legal activities, tourism models with Đờn ca Tài tử for river cruises, etc.