Viet Nam News
by Thu Anh
HCM CITY — A drama project featuring the traditional music genre of the southern region, cai luong (reformed opera), by veteran and young artists in HCM City has attracted young audiences back to the theatre.
The shows feature historical plays and songs in different styles performed by pioneers in the 1960s-80s.
The project has received support from Tran Huu Trang Theatre, one of the region’s leading cai luong troupes, as well as dozens of veteran and performers from the city and southern provinces.
Hoa Dieu Dat Chin Rong (The Chorus of the Nine-Dragon Land) was launched by veteran scriptwriter Hoang Song Viet. It has attracted young stars of leading cai luong troupes in Can Tho and provinces of Ben Tre, Tra Vinh, Tien Giang, Kien Giang, Long An, Dong Thap, and Ca Mau.
It also features veteran performers such as Kim Ngan and Cong Minh of HCM City.
“My project preserves cai luong by restaging famous plays that have been performed by different generations. I want to offer unique tunes of cai luong since the art began in My Tho in Tien Giang Province in the 1920s,” said Viet, who spent several months working with his partners, including provincial television stations and radios.
“My staff, including skilled artists from Viet Nam Television (VTV), HCM City Television, Can Tho Television and Bac Lieu Television and Radio, have written and directed shows for the project,” he added.
Viet’s shows are staged every month at theatres in the Mekong River Delta region. They also air live on VTV5 and VTV9 channels.
 |
| On stage: Young and veteran artists perform in a project called Ba The He Ve Lai Coi Nguon (Three Generations Perform Cai Luong). — Photo Thanh Hiep |
Le Hoang’s Cai Luong Stage began last year and has offered historical plays with settings in the Tran, Dinh and Ly reigns (between the 10th and 14th centuries).
His project’s plays, including Ngoc Ky Lan (Kylin Jade) and Thai Hau Duong Van Nga (Mother Queen Duong Van Nga), have been restaged several times at the Binh Thanh District Cultural House.
“Our shows attract veteran actors such as People’s Artists Bach Tuyet, Le Thuy and Ngoc Giau, and Meritorious Artist Kim Tu Long, who perform a unique style of cai luong,” said Hoang, adding that he had also invited young talents from art schools, such as the HCM City Theatre and Cinematography University and the University of Culture.
Hoang’s project has a part-time staff of theatre directors, actors and stage workers, but he pays them monthly salaries to keep the business stable.
“I love watching shows staged by Hoang’s artists because their art is traditional, but brings a fresh style. I think they will face big challenges, but they have a future,” said Vu Hoang Long, a third-year student at the HCM City University of Law.
Artist Long, one of the region’s biggest cai luong stars, rejected invitations from State-owned art troupes so he could join Hoang’s project.
“Cai luong projects launched by young artists like Hoang need our veterans’ support to develop their business. These projects are a good chance for young actors and me to show off our art,” he said.
 |
| Meritorious Artist Kim Tu Long (left) and his actors perform unique tunes of cai luong (reformed opera) to preserve the art. — Photo courtesy of the organiser |
Long also launched a drama project called Ba The He Ve Lai Coi Nguon (Three Generations Perform Cai Luong) at Cong Nhan Theatre in HCM City’s District 1 last year.
His project offers live shows on the country’s historical events in contemporary periods.
Featured plays are Cau Tho Yen Ngua (Poems on the Saddle), Ngon Lua Thang Long (Fire of Thang Long Citadel) and Tieng Goi Non Song (The Call of the Nation), which include national heroes and soldiers.
“Through our project, we hope to encourage young people to learn about traditional theatre,” said Long, adding that his staff has received support from the HCM City Theatre Association as well as many young talents from southern provinces.
Long’s shows offer tickets at affordable prices, ranging from VND50,000 (US$2.2) to 100,000 ($4.5) each, to attract students and labourers.
His actors have staged plays in Ha Noi and Hai Phong.
“The love of cai luong runs in our blood. We want to expand cai luong for young people, who have encouraged our artists to keep the art alive,” said Long, who has performed in more than 200 plays, videos and movies. VNS