Classic Cai Luong opera is revived.

The atmosphere on the Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) stage in Ho Chi Minh City has become vibrant again with a series of classic plays attracting large audiences.

The Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) stage has recently seen a resurgence with the staging of numerous classic plays such as "The Life of Co Luu", "The Luxurious Hotel", "The People of the Suburbs", "Ho Nguyet Co Transforms into a Fox", "Lan and Diep", "Nang Xe Da"...

Efforts to retain viewers

The return of works that once made a name for the Cai Luong stage not only evokes memories of a golden age but also brings a breath of fresh air to this traditional art form.

Typical examples include the play "Han Mac Tu" by the Vu Luan theater group and the play "Lan and Diep" by People's Artist Thanh Ngan's group. With the skillful direction of People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, the new versions of these two plays demonstrate meticulous staging, creating a beautiful impression and generating high revenue.

The most noticeable aspect is in the stage design and music of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), where directors have harmoniously blended tradition and modernity. This not only helps Cai Luong maintain its unique essence but also creates space for young actors to try their hand at and reinvent their roles.

People's Artist Minh Vương prepares the costume for artist Nguyễn Văn Khởi before going on stage.

Besides the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre, non-governmental stages such as Sen Viet, Dai Viet New Cai Luong, Chi Linh - Van Ha, Vu Luan, Thanh Ngan, Kim Ngan, Thien Long... are becoming launching pads for young actors like Minh Truong, Nha Thy, Hoang Hai, Nguyen Hung Vuong, Vo Ngoc Huyen, Bien Thuy, Nhu Y, Trong Hieu, Diep Duy, Son Minh... to showcase their abilities through "classic" roles of their predecessors. Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam, who won the 30th Mai Vang Award for his role as Mr. Bay Don (in the play "The People on the Outskirts of the City"), said: "This is a precious opportunity because the classic play has a long history; what is needed is to breathe the spirit and perspective of the times into the character."

Elevating the careers of young directors.

Not only actors, but many young directors also see the re-staging of classic plays as an opportunity to hone their skills and affirm their personal mark. Renowned figures such as People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha, Meritorious Artist Chi Linh, Meritorious Artist Kim Phuong, Meritorious Artist Le Nguyen Dat... have persistently pursued the goal of "reviving Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) from classic scripts." They experiment with new storytelling methods, incorporating cinematic elements, folk dance, classical opera dance, contemporary dance... into the traditional Cai Luong language. From there, the next generation learns and develops.

However, reviving classic plays is not simple. Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng shared: "It requires a deep understanding of the literary script, context, and performance style of the previous era, while also understanding today's audience tastes to adjust, thereby condensing and incorporating new elements without losing the essence of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera)." According to People's Artist Trần Minh Ngọc, cải lương is a special art form – both folk and scholarly; both deeply humane and visually and aurally appealing. Therefore, reviving classic plays in a new way, empowering the younger generation to create, and bringing the stage closer to the audience is the most feasible path.

The positive reception of classic plays by audiences is encouraging, but it also raises the question of how to maintain their momentum in a fundamental and sustainable way. To achieve this, the support and encouragement of cultural management agencies are indispensable – from providing financial assistance for staging and organizing tours in districts, schools, and industrial zones, to developing communication strategies to reach a wider audience.

Young director Vo Hoang Phuong, when directing "Ho Nguyet Co Transforms into a Fox," said: "I consider this a great lesson. The play has a long history of performances with the significant contributions of many talented artists, so when I directed it, I had to research previous versions very carefully. The important thing is to preserve the soul and profound message of the play."

Meanwhile, director Hung Vu – the youngest among the directors staging "A Thousand Years of Love Story" – shared: "The original script is very substantial, classically written, and has historical depth. I chose a simpler way of telling the story, incorporating dance and music techniques to bring younger audiences closer to Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera). Modernizing isn't about breaking the mold, but about respecting the foundation and evoking new emotions from the old."

Producer Hoang Song Viet is one of those who persistently pursue the goal of training a new generation of directors. In the projects he directs and advises, he has invited Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha to be the main director, while also collaborating with and training young directors studying at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film to learn the craft. Each play features the participation of young directors such as: Nguyen Minh Truong with "Ganh Co Song Han" and "Nang Xe Da"; Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam with "Nguoi Ven Do"; Dien Trung with "Khuc Trang Ca Thanh Gia Dinh" and "Cau Tho Yen Ngua"; Meritorious Artist Le Trung Than with the play "Trung Than"... The collaboration between veteran directors and the next generation creates a highly effective "practical apprenticeship" model. They not only learn theory but also gain hands-on experience.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/cai-luong-kinh-dien-hoi-sinh-196250603202847344.htm