Bai Choi singing, a combination of poetry, music, singing, performance and improvisation, was invented nearly 400 years ago and serves as a community game in the central coastal provinces. Now, in the old UNESCO recognised town of Hoi An, Bai Choi has become a regular must-see for visitors. People and visitors to Hoi An are familiar with an outdoor stage along the Hoai River where Bai Choi performances are held nightly.
These events have become one of the main attractions of the old town. Unique to the coastal central region, bai choi is often seen at local spring festivals and resembles a game, using playing cards and village huts.
Duong Thuy, Artisan, Hoi An Centre for Culture and Sports, Quang Nam Province, said: “Bai choi singing is interesting is because it is two people having a humorous conversation. It’s very entertaining and the audience loves it.
Mr Phung Tan Dong, Researcher, Hoi An Centre for Culture and Sports, Quang Nam Province said: “This has become an integral part of the culture here, which is why during Tet, people in central provinces always play games and perform bai choi singing in events like this.”
Currently, the Hoi An Centre for Culture and Sports has about 10 artisans who regularly perform Bai Choi/ Events are often held in old houses, outdoor stages or at Hoi AnTheatre.
Ngo Thai Long, Visitor from Bac Giang said: “I’m here to support our traditional art, I really enjoy the Bai choi singing.”
Hoi An welcomes over 1.5 million visitors each year, including 900,000 international visitors.
Performing Bai Choi at the heart of this old town helps introduce the art to international audience. Bai Choi is currently seeking UNESCO recognition as an intangible cultural heritage.
