“Dam San’s Aspiration,” a musical drama penned by composer Nguyen Cuong, with scriptwriting and overall direction by Hong Hoa, and co-direction by NSND Y San Alio, draws inspiration from the “Dam San Epic,” a significant work by the Ede people in the Central Highlands.
At a press conference held in Hanoi on April 10th, Mr. Tran Hong Tien, Director of the Dak Lak Province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, shared that Dak Lak, the heart of the Central Highlands, is home to 49 ethnic groups.
This diverse population gives Dak Lak a rich and varied cultural heritage.
To showcase the unique culture of the Central Highlands in the capital city, the Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism collaborated with other organizations to present two outstanding artistic programs in Hanoi from April 12th to 13th.
The highlight of the program is the revival and preservation of the Ede culture through the musical drama “Dam San’s Aspiration,” using music and visual staging.
The organizers aim to bring Central Highlands art closer to Hanoi residents and visitors, preserving, promoting, and showcasing the beauty of Ede music.
Mr. Tien also hopes that this event will attract tourists to Dak Lak, boosting tourism and achieving the local and national goals for economic development.
As the composer of “Dam San’s Aspiration,” Mr. Nguyen Cuong shared with Dan Tri reporters that the work embodies his 40 years of passion for the Central Highlands.
Since 1987, Mr. Cuong has been deeply involved in the region’s arts and music, nurturing a desire to create a grand work celebrating the aspiration and heroic beauty of the Ede people.
He found inspiration in the captivating script by screenwriter Hong Hoa, ultimately completing this significant piece. The work embodies the essence of the “Dam San Epic,” using traditional Ede instruments alongside international performance techniques to engage audiences.
He mentioned contemplating a second musical adaptation, performed entirely with indigenous instruments.
In Vietnamese literature, the “Dam San Epic” stands out as a prime example of imaginative, romantic, and soaring folk literature crafted by the Ede people.
It transports readers to the heroic past of tribal alliances, introducing brave chieftains, most notably Dam San, who led his community in battles, conquering enemies and nature.
Building upon the “Dam San Epic,” screenwriter Hong Hoa crafted new narratives, including the Sun Goddess’s desire for Dam San, the threat of annihilation facing the village, and Dam San’s aspiration to protect the village, ultimately captivating the Sun Goddess.
The work comprises five chapters: Dam San and H’Nhi, Punishing Mtao Msei, The Village’s Hope, The Realm of Light, The Sun Rises Over the Vast Plateau.
Co-director NSND Y San Alio shared that “Dam San’s Aspiration” had previously been performed in Dak Lak and Ho Chi Minh City before its Hanoi presentation. The Dak Lak performance attracted over 20,000 spectators.
The musical drama, a collective effort of the composer and hundreds of Ede artists, has been warmly received by audiences, garnering positive feedback.
“The performance was meticulously crafted over six months in late 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite external challenges, the artists delivered a captivating and impressive artistic masterpiece,” stated NSND Y San Alio.
The “Highland Call” folk music and art program will take place at 7:30 PM on April 12th at Ba Kieu Temple flower garden, within Hanoi’s walking area around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas.
The program will feature gong and chime performances, traditional Central Highlands instrumental music, and popular Central Highlands songs.
The musical drama “Dam San’s Aspiration” will be presented at 8:00 PM on April 13th at the Hanoi Theatre (42 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi).
