Interview with Artisan Ngoc Khuong
“Highs and lows of Dao Xa” is a series of short videos through which Under The Green Moss (UTGM) want to tell the story of the tradition and the people of “Instrument village” Dao Xa. The old value would not have been preserved without the artisans like Mr.Dao Soan and Mr. Ngoc Khuong, who desire to spread their love for traditional instrument beyond the village. Listening to Mr. Khuong’s story, we feel the melody that has been passed down from generation to generation despite the fast modernization. We would like to share our conversation with Artisan Ngoc Khuong when we visited Dao Xa for filming.
UTGM: Are you the only one in the family doing this job? Mr.Khuong: Currently there is only me, my son does not want to follow my job. The youth are different and not really interested in this kind of thing. UTGM: Is there any requirement for the job or passion is just enough? Mr.Khuong: Passion is the biggest requirement. My son for example, he has nearly got 18, 19 but he does not want to be like his father but to follow his own interest. Everything must start with a passion. UTGM: Your son wants to follow another job but has he ever helped you with making instrument? Mr.Khuong: He is not interested. I used to wish that he would carry on the mission of our family, but he could not understand the traditional value. I respect his freedom, he has his own dream. Honestly, the key is not to swim with the tie and not to be pushed for money. That is the way I maintained the job. Younger generation may want to follow different things but every job has its own pride. Without any official training of music, the artisans in Dao Xa put their hearts on making instrument with the tips and experience handed down from older generation. Saying goodbye to the village, we could never forget Mr. Khuong’s advice: Everything must start with a passion. Written by Ngoc Ánh.
