Ca Trù: A journey of Vietnamese Vocal Tradition (1)

A popular theatre form in Northern Vietnam since the 15th century, Ca trù is an important piece in the jigsaw puzzle of Vietnamese culture, playing a crucial role in customs and beliefs of Vietnamese people. Let's explore the journey of Ca trù

Origins shrouded by myth

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Ca trù is regarded as an ancient and unique art form with special significance in the treasure trove of Vietnamese music, intertwined with festivals, customs, beliefs, literature, music, and the philosophical ideals of the Vietnamese people.

Up to this day, the origin of Ca trù is still a mystery.

Some experts argue that Ca trù can be traced back thousands of years. Some say that Ca trù first appeared during the reign of the Lý dynasty, Each side has reasonable points, but there is insufficient evidence to support either theory.

All we know about the early days of Ca trù is that it started to become popular in the royal court during the Later Lê dynasty, and became widespread in the 15th century. Compositions that are extant nowadays only date back to the 19th century.

A Ca trù performance

However, nobody can stop the spread of myths and legends relating to the origin of this once-treasured art form. There is a myth that Ca trù was the creation of Đinh Dự, the son of the Lam Sơn hero and the heaven princess Đường Hoa. Thus, Ca Trù has a semi-divine origin, both sacred and exalted.

Another myth claims that the Lý Dynasty imperial court cherished a talented musician named Đào Thị. In her honor, female singers were commonly referred to as Đào nương, meaning "maiden" or "lady." The term Đào nương can be applied to both ca trù singers and also vocalists of other traditional art forms.

Ups and downs despite popularity

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In the past, Ca Trù was closely associated with guild activities, typically held in spaces such as village communal houses, temples, ancestral halls, mansions, and music venues. From the nobles to the average citizens, they all enjoyed the singing of ca trù. Hence, this art form enriched the cultural life of local communities and the intellectual elite and contributed to the feudal state's ceremonial activities, particularly diplomatic receptions.

Still, Ca trù's journey was never easy. At some points, the art form came close to the brink of disappearance, yet it still survives today.

In the 20th century, Ca Trù was nearly extinct. Following the 1945 August Revolution, the art form was repressed, being linked to prostitution and the exploitation of women. This continued after 1954 as well. The authorities labeled the art form as "feudal" and "bourgeois," reflecting societal perceptions of it as a form of indulgence and debauchery linked to the exploiting classes. In the next 3o years, Ca Trù virtually disappeared from the public eye.

A Ca trù performance in the past

However, efforts to revive Ca Trù soon began.

In the early 1980s, ca trù began to be broadcast and reappear in public performances. It quickly gained popularity, featuring in various TV series and leading to the organization of national ca trù festivals. In 2009, UNESCO regarded Intangible cultural heritage, which has since spurred recognition for its research and conservation efforts.

Now, there are over 63 active Ca trù clubs across Vietnam. Music schools are also diving into the essence of Ca trù, and programs to restore this art form are still ongoing. Historical disconnection and the difficulty of traditional instrument mastery poses certain challenges to the restoration of Ca trù, Nevertheless, Vietnam still strive to bring back the ca trù in its heyday.