Du ke is a unique traditional musical theatre form of the Khmer people. (Photo: Nhat Minh/Ca Mau newspaper)

In the early 20th century, the Khmer people created Du Ke during their daily production activities. The first performers were farmers. This art form evolved from ro bam (a dance-drama of the Khmer) and was strongly influenced by tuong co (classical opera) and cai luong (renovated theater). Du Ke is a unique combination of singing, dialogue, folk performance, and traditional music.

Du Ke performances are typically based on Khmer folktales, myths, or cai luong stories, with simple plots and a moral message.

“Du Ke is a unique cultural product. It teaches moral lessons about good and evil and guides individuals toward self-improvement. Du Ke is integral to the spiritual life of the Khmer community in southern Vietnam,” Luc Thanh Hiep, Deputy Head of the Khmer Art Troupe in Soc Trang province, said.

Du Ke’s intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic features quickly spread across the Mekong Delta provinces. The art form flourished particularly in Tra Vinh, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, and An Giang province. It is often performed at Khmer temples during Chol Chnam Thmay (the Khmer New Year), the Sen Dolta Festival (organized around an ancestor worship ceremony), Ok Om Bok (a moon worship festival), and other community events.

Du Ke entertains and unites the community. Villagers often stay up all night to watch a play’s conclusion.

“The art of Du Ke has deeply embedded itself in the life of the Khmer. Whenever a Khmer art troupe performs, even in distant places, large crowds gather to watch them. Some performances finish as late as 11 p.m. or midnight, but the audience watches until the end,” said Hiep.

A scene from the Du ke performance “Protecting the Homeland’s Seas and Islands” by the Khmer Art Troupe of Ca Mau Province (Photo: Nhat Minh/Ca Mau newspaper)

From 1980 to 2000 was a prime time for Du Ke. To preserve this art form, every year during the dry season Khmer art troupes create new scripts and conduct dozens of tours across the region. In 2013 and 2023, the Association of Stage Artists worked with localities to host the first and second Khmer Du Ke Theater Festival.

The Anh Binh Minh art troupe in Tra Vinh province has been at the forefront of efforts to preserve Du Ke. This troupe focuses on teaching the younger generation. Regular Khmer dance and Du Ke singing classes have nurtured new talents.

“We have coordinated with localities and temple management boards to maintain and promote Du Ke. Every year, the Anh Binh Minh art troupe allocates funding to create new works and perform at festivals and other community events,” Duong Hoang Sum, Director of Tra Vinh province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said. “We will continue training, scriptwriting, and support activities to improve the Khmer art troupes in Tra Vinh province. Our goal is to harmoniously integrate this art form with other national cultural traditions.”