Viet Nam News
HCM CITY – Famous cai luong (reformed theatre) actress Ngoc Giau appears to have further enhanced her talent in a leading role in the new film Sai Gon, Anh Yeu Em (Sai Gon, I Love You).
Giau and her partners, the film’s directors Ly Minh Thang and Tai Do, worked together on the screenplay for the film, which will be released tonight.
The 90-minute film features five couples who come from different places and backgrounds but choose Sai Gon - HCM City as their home.
The film features stories about love, life and work that each couple faces.
Through the film, the culture and lifestyle of Saigonese are highlighted.
After its premiere in HCM City on Tuesday, Sai Gon, Anh Yeu Em was praised by many viewers.
People’s Artist Giau said she worked hard to “prove myself to perform in a movie.”
In the film, Giau plays Ba, a veteran cai luong actress, who falls in love with her colleague, Sau, played by Meritorious Artist Thanh Nam.
Ba was at the peak of her artistry and fame. Like many of her peers, she spent her entire life on stage, deciding to forget marriage and children.
Ba meets Sau when both are not young. They face challenges in their relationship.
“Cai luong is my soul and blood. I thought the art is my only love. I see myself in Ba,” the 71-year-old said.
Born to a poor family in Sai Gon, Giau began her love for cai luong at an early age. When she was 12 years old, she first performed on stage singing vong co (nostalgic tunes), a southern genre of traditional music.
Two years later, she worked for the Kim Chuong Troupe, one of the region’s leading cai luong troupes.
In 1960, she was a member of the Thanh Minh-Thanh Nga Troupe, learning with skilled performers like Phung Ha and Bay Nam, who were recognised as gurus of the art.
She played leading and supporting roles in dozens of famous plays, including Doi Co Luu (The Life of Ms Luu) and Thai Hau Duong Van Nga (Queen Mother Duong Van Nga). Her strong voice and dance skills left a strong impression on audiences.
She has participated in more than 70 plays and dozens of videos and films.
"Over the years I have faced many challenges in my attempt to achieve success," said Giau, who has received several prizes for best cai luong performer at national theatre festivals and competitions.
By performing in Sai Gon, Anh Yeu Em, Giau hopes her work will encourage young audiences to learn more about the traditional art of cai luong, she said.
“I hope theatre lovers will go to the cinema for my film. I believe my fans will feel a new taste of cai luong in the movie,” said Giau, adding that, thanks to audiences’ support, veteran artists like her could continue to climb even higher heights of their art.— VNS