Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Bay Duong
Miss Bay is passionate about preserving the Vietnamese tradition of Hát Bội. This performing art is a traditional form of Vietnamese Opera that includes singing, movements and dance. The dances originated in the 13th century. The lyrics are written in old Vietnamese and sung in different “modes”. Each mode is expressed by different vocal techniques. The make-up, costumes and stage sets/props are also very traditional. This art form is fading away even in Vietnam.

From 1960 to 1964, Miss Bay studied Hát Bội at the National Conservatory of Saigon, Vietnam. She performed regularly at the National Conservatory of Saigon and at other events in different areas of Vietnam. Miss Bay taught at the National Conservatory of Saigon and the Performing Arts College in Saigon for 25 years until she came to the United States in 1992. She is now retired and still performs Hát Bội at various events in the Orange County community. Miss Bay hopes to pass on her knowledge about Hát Bội to the younger generation to keep this tradition alive. Her dream is that other performing artists will treasure this performing art and incorporate it into their works.

Ms. Bay is teaching Hát Bội to performing artists, young professionals, children, and senior citizens. Participants will learn about the history of Hát Bội and become familiar with movements, dances, stage sets/props, costume making, and make-up of Hát Bội. Participants will also perform excerpts of Hát Bội masterpieces.

VAALA, a prominent non-profit organization in the Vietnamese American community, is collaborating with Miss Bay. VAALA fosters cultural exchange by presenting creative, educational, and stimulating programs for people of all ages. VAALA is assisting Ms. Bay with transcribing and translating original, hand written scripts and stage notes, most of which are 40 years old, into English. Traditional Vietnamese songs are being recorded in Vietnam especially for her project. VAALA is also working on producing a film documenting Miss Bay’s efforts to pass on the tradition of Hát Bội.