Classic Cai Luong revived

The atmosphere of the Cai Luong stage in Ho Chi Minh City is bustling again with a series of classic plays attracting large audiences.

Recently, the cai luong stage has been more prosperous when a series of classic plays such as: "Doi Co Luu", "Khach San Hao Hoa", "Nguoi ven do", "Ho Nguyet Co hoa cao", "Lan va Diep", "Nang Xe Da"... were newly staged.

Efforts to retain audience

The return of works that once made the name of the Cai Luong stage not only recalls memories of a golden age, but also brings a new breeze to the traditional art form.

Typical examples include the play "Han Mac Tu" by Vu Luan stage and the play "Lan and Diep" by People's Artist Thanh Ngan's group. With the "cool hand" of People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, the new versions of these two plays demonstrate meticulousness in staging, creating a beautiful impression and bringing in high revenue.

The most obvious thing is in the art of stage performance and reformed music , when directors have harmoniously handled the balance between tradition and contemporary. This not only helps reformed stage maintain its own soul but also creates space for young actors to try their hand and renew their roles.

People's Artist Minh Vuong prepares costumes for artist Nguyen Van Khoi before going on stage.

In addition to Tran Huu Trang Opera House, non-public stages such as Sen Viet, Cai Luong Moi Dai Viet, Chi Linh - Van Ha, Vu Luan, Thanh Ngan, Kim Ngan, Thien Long... are becoming launching pads for young actors such as Minh Truong, Nha Thy, Hoang Hai, Nguyen Hung Vuong, Vo Ngoc Huyen, Bien Thuy, Nhu Y, Trong Hieu, Diep Duy, Son Minh... to demonstrate their abilities through the "classic" roles of their predecessors. Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam won the 30th Mai Vang Award for his role as Mr. Bay Dan (in the play "Nguoi ven do"). He said: "This is a precious opportunity because the classic play has a long history, what is necessary is to breathe into the character the breath and perspective of the times".

Raising young directors

Not only actors, many young directors also consider re-enacting classic plays as an opportunity to hone their skills and affirm their personal mark. Names 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 from classic scripts". They experimented with new ways of telling, incorporating cinematic elements, folk dance, classical Tuong dance, contemporary dance... into the traditional Cai Luong language. From there, the successor force learned and promoted.

However, recreating classic plays is not simple. Meritorious Artist Ca Le Hong shared: "You must have a deep background knowledge of literary scripts, contexts, and performance styles of the past, and at the same time understand the tastes of today's audiences to adjust, thereby shortening and incorporating new elements without losing the essence of Cai Luong". According to People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc, Cai Luong is a special art form - both folk and scholarly; both imbued with humanity and appealing to the eyes and ears. 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 fact that classic plays are well received by audiences is a good sign, but it also raises the question of how to maintain their "form" in a fundamental and sustainable way. To do so, it is indispensable to have the support and encouragement of cultural management agencies in the role of "midwife" - from supporting staging costs, organizing tours in districts, schools, industrial parks... to communication strategies to bring plays to a wider audience.

Young director Vo Hoang Phuong, when staging "Ho Nguyet Co Hoa Fox", said: "I consider this a great lesson. The play has a long history of performances with the great imprint of many talented artists, so when making it, I had to carefully research previous versions. The important thing is to keep the soul and profound message of the play".

Meanwhile, director Hung Vu - the youngest of the directors of the play "A Thousand Years of Love" - ​​shared: "The original script is very voluminous, classical literature and has historical depth. I chose a simpler way of telling it, incorporating dance and music techniques to bring young audiences closer to Cai Luong. Innovation is not about breaking the rules, but about respecting the foundation and evoking new emotions from the old."

Producer Hoang Song Viet is one of those who perseveres with the goal of training the next generation of directors. In the projects he has done and advised, he has invited Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha to be the main "director" and at the same time coordinates training for young directors studying at the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City to learn the profession. Each play has the participation of young directors such as: Nguyen Minh Truong with "Ganh co song Han", "Nang Xe Da"; Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam with "Nguoi ven do"; Dien Trung with "Khuc trang ca thanh Gia Dinh", "Cau tho yen ngua"; Meritorious Artist Le Trung Than with the play "Trung than"... The coordination between veteran directors and the next generation creates an effective model of "practical transfer of skills". They not only learn theory, but also get to rub shoulders with reality.

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