'The Saddle Verse' - a timeless epic

This is one of the classic works of the Minh To troupe and of the Vietnamese stage, adapted by Ngoc Van - Thanh Tong from the script of Hoang Yen, and People's Artist Thanh Tong staged for the first time in 1982. In 1984, the play was performed in France and was warmly received by the audience. In 1998, Can Tho Television recorded it. In 2010, director Vu Minh re-produced it in the program " Gin vang chua ngoc" . In 2019, director Quang Thao re-produced it for the program "Tram nam nguon gon" . In 2020, director Bach Long re-produced it for Vietnam Television. And this time, director Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha released a new version to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the country's reunification.

People's Artist Que Tran plays Y Lan, Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam plays Ly Thuong Kiet

PHOTO: HK

Hoa Ha is the one who always breathes into historical plays a strong, vigorous heroic spirit, so right from the first chapters of The Horseback Riding Poem , the audience is immersed in the heroic atmosphere of the nation. Grand Chancellor Ly Thuong Kiet leads the resistance against the Song army with bravery, intelligence, and kindness, overcoming internal conflicts to unite and recruit talented people to join hands to protect the country. Hoa Ha uses beautiful music and choreography to create a heroic epic of Vietnam; and with a fast tempo, modern colors but still not losing the traditional quality of Cai Luong, the play has conquered the young audience. It is worth noting that People's Artist Thanh Tong wrote a script that blends the elements of Hat Boi, Ho Quang and Cai Luong, and Hoa Ha highlights those highlights, making the play extremely attractive. The more I watch, the more I admire Thanh Tong. He has made great contributions to Vietnamizing Ho Quang opera, keeping only some of the quintessence of this genre, creating unique plays.

Interwoven in the story of defending the country is the story of the palace, when Empress Shangyang, out of jealousy of Empress Dowager Y Lan, colluded with the enemy to regain the throne. However, Hoa Ha adjusted the detail of the spy Wei Wang swapping Shangyang's letter, so she was less cursed by later generations, only ashamed to seek death. The character of Shangyang in history books is still a vague point, so this correction is very appropriate.

Today's young artists are famous names, such as Chi Linh, Vo Minh Lam, Minh Truong, Tu Suong, Que Tran, Thanh Thao, Nha Thy... They perform excellently in every lyric, dance, body, every scene and every class is very beautiful.

The curtain closed, the audience still lingered to share together, the art space still seemed to echo "The mountains and rivers of the South belong to the Southern Emperor. The fate is absolutely determined in the book of heaven...". A historical play that is lyrical and profound!

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cau-tho-yen-ngua-ban-anh-hung-ca-vuot-thoi-gian-185250420195552873.htm