The second Hat Ngoc Mua Vang (Pearl of Golden Crop) contest was held last week to seek actors for cai luong (reformed theatre) and don ca tai tu Nam Bo (southern amateur music). — Photo baotintuc.vn

HCM CITY (VNS)  — The second Hat Ngoc Mua Vang (Pearl of Golden Crop) contest was held last week to seek actors for cai luong (reformed theatre) and don ca tai tu Nam Bo (southern amateur music).

Last week, 24 out of 200 contestants were chosen from preliminary rounds held in Can Tho, Bac Lieu, Vinh Long, Tien Giang and HCM City.

They will compete for excellence awards worth VND40 million (US$1,700) each.

Twenty-four contestants will be chosen for the audition round to be aired on VTV Can Tho 1 channel from October 3 to November 1.

In the final round to be held on January 2 next year, the final six contestants will perform together in a full play instead of a play extract as in other cai luong contests.

Besides the excellence awards, there will be four "characteristic" awards worth VND15 million each and "favourite" award worth VND5 million.

People's artist Tran Ngoc Giau, a contest consultant, said this year's contest would not limit ages for participants, including children.

The contest is organised by VTV Can Tho in collaboration with Khanh Vuong Media Communication JS Co. — VNS