International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Sustaining the Performance Environment of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ethnic Minorities in Vietnam in the Contemporary Context: The Case of the “Khap Thai” in Thanh Hoa Province

This article focuses on studying the organization and sustainability of the performance environment for intangible cultural heritage in a contemporary context, using the case of the Khap Thai in Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. Based on the theory of performance environment and an ethnographic approach combined with sociological surveys, the study identified the constituent elements of the Khap Thai environment, including space, subjects, content, and practice methods. The findings show that while Khap Thai was originally closely tied to daily life, it now primarily exists in community events and organized activities. The participation of the younger generation is limited, and the impacts of theatricalization, tourism, and policy constraints increase the risk of discontinuity. The study proposes four groups of solutions: re-establishing a familiar performance space, strengthening intergenerational transmission, improving institutions and policies, and promoting digitization in conjunction with the cultural market. This research contributes to completing the theoretical framework for community-based heritage management and provides practical experience for adaptive conservation in the context of globalization and transformation.