Commentary: The Ministry of Culture shows the promotion of the art of bassac to resume activities
Phnom Penh÷Her Excellency Dr. Pheung Sakona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, stated that the “Establishment of the National Bassac Theater Festival 2022” provides an opportunity for artists to express their talents and participate in preserving, protecting and promoting Bassac opera as a cultural heritage. Precious nation is priceless.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Bassac Theater Festival 2022 under the theme “Culture of Peace” on October 3, 2022 at the Theater of the Department of Performing Arts, Dr. Pheung Sakona said “Bassac Theater Nationwide 2022” This is not only a platform for showcasing the abilities and talents of each group, but this is an important time for artists both inside and outside the system to have the opportunity to meet and exchange new experiences with each other. In addition, she believes that this is an important platform for dissemination to the public at all levels, visit and gradually learn about the many forms of Khmer art that require the care and protection. And uplifting.
She was very proud and pleased to see the presence of many bassac artists from the capitals and provinces who applied for the competition: Ability to perform at the 2022 National Bassac Theater Festival.
At the same time, the Minister appreciated and thanked the relevant ministries and institutions, local authorities, philanthropists, development partners and the private sector for their close participation and support in the past, which is an active participation to support the promotion of the arts. A special scene of the Bassac Theater to resume its activities.
As a work direction to strengthen and expand the scope of the performing arts in Cambodia, as the leader of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Lok Chumteav would like to fully support cultural activities in order to preserve and promote the art of bassac. In particular, the establishment of festivals or cultural events is to promote and provide opportunities for the community of young men and women to participate in the preservation of their national cultural heritage, as the words: “Preservation and protection of cultural heritage is the duty of Cambodian children. Everyone. ”
Mr. Chheang Chhadapheak, Acting Director of the Department of Performing Arts of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, said that the National Organizing Committee for Bassac Theater Festival 2022 has announced the announcement of the National Bassac Theater Festival and the application for the exam will open on August 15, 2022. The closing date for applications is September 2, 2022. The condition of the competition is that each tattoo troupe that intends to participate in the competition must record a video of their group’s bassac performance for 15-30 minutes to send to the festival committee.
The Festival Organizing Committee has received applications from a total of 10 teams from Phnom Penh, Kampong Speu, Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kandal, Tbong Khmum, Kep and Banteay Meanchey. The festival has two stages, the qualifiers and the finals.
According to Mr. Chheang Chhada Pheak, in the qualifying round, each bassac troupe has the right to show their performance through video and send to the jury for evaluation.
“The sub-committee, the judges, evaluated with a sense of responsibility, accuracy, impartiality and selected five groups to participate in the finals. The five bassac groups selected to enter the finals required Participate in live competitions at the Phnom Penh Department of Performing Arts, performing “Culture of Peace” so that each group can use the art of songwriting, directing and acting to compete for the finals. This finale.
[Forwarded from Sovannara Yen]
It should be noted that Bassac Theater is a large art form of dance performance, which has a lot of support from the people of Cambodia, especially in the 80s and 90s, due to the lack of progress in film and technology, but recently Bassac Theater Is seen to be less active in many performances. That is, there are some performances in districts, villages and major festivals in the provincial capitals of Cambodia only. This lack of performance is seen as a result of the need for more people and the equipment to decorate the stage or the big theater to attract the attention of the audience, so the leaders of this theater must demand The cost of the performance is also high, so those who want the Bassac troupe to perform one at a time also have to pay a lot of money. (Article: By Cambodia-China Friendship Radio)
