Bringing Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) closer to young people.

With the desire to bring artistic heritage closer to the younger generation and spread awareness of preserving cultural identity, a group of students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, presented the art program "Tấu Cung Giao".

More than just a simple performance, the program strives to open up a new approach to cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) by infusing ancient melodies with a vibrant contemporary spirit.

Veteran Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) artists and young artists share the stage for a performance of the song "Bach Dang Giang". (Photo: Khanh Linh)

On the evening of May 28th, over 300 spectators filled the Faculty of Literature auditorium (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) to watch the "Tấu Cung Giao" performance.

The performance impressed with its elaborate staging, combining traditional Vietnamese opera with rap and modern music , creating an emotionally rich artistic space where a glorious past intersects with contemporary life.

Beyond its artistic significance, all profits from the program are donated to the Tam Binh Children's Welfare and Protection Center, contributing to supporting underprivileged children in the area.

Intermingling tradition and modernity

From the very first minutes, Tấu Cung Giao led the audience into an artistic space rich in narrative, where the image of the Tân Thời theater troupe became a symbol of the continuity between the past and the present.

With its three-part structure: Echoes of the Past, Nostalgia, and Flourishing Melodies, the program portrays the journey of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) from its glorious era, through its struggles against the threat of extinction, to its powerful resurgence in a new form.

The show's innovative aspect lies in the multi-layered dialogue between traditional Vietnamese opera and modern elements such as rap, pop music, and contemporary dance.

Here, traditional melodies are placed in a new context, combined with familiar songs such as "Dai Khai Hoan," "Bach Dang Giang," and "Nam Quoc Son Ha," creating a fresh experience for young audiences.

The highlight of the evening was an excerpt from the classic Cai Luong play "Queen Mother Duong Van Nga." Featuring Meritorious Artist Trinh Trinh along with artists Ly Kieu Hanh, Xuan Truc, Ha Nang, etc., the performance not only recreated a historical period but also evoked fervent patriotism.

The Cai Luong play "Queen Mother Duong Van Nga" impressed with its heartfelt performances and historically rich costumes. (Source: Organizing Committee)

In addition, performances like "The Grand Triumph" bring a fresh perspective with powerful choreography combined with traditional martial arts. This blend helps the program retain its national essence while remaining relatable to the tastes of young people.

The song "The Grand Triumph" combines martial arts, creating a vibrant and heroic atmosphere. (Photo: Khanh Linh)

Overall, Dr. Le Hong Phuoc (Head of the Department of European Languages ​​and Cultures, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) expressed his admiration for the research investment and the way students created a modern and elegant performance space, avoiding the outdated feel often seen in such programs.

Accordingly, the program's greatest success lies in balancing tradition and modernity, a key element for the sustainable development of art in today's context.

A bridge connecting young people with traditional culture.

Going beyond the scope of a mere performance, Tấu Cung Giao has truly brought about significant changes in young people's perceptions of cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera).

Nguyen Le Nhat Linh (a third-year student in the Journalism and Communication Faculty, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) said that before participating in the program, Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) was, in her mind, an ancient art form associated with her grandparents' generation.

"I only knew about cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) from watching it on TV a few times when I was little. But when I saw the program organized by the students themselves, I was curious to see how they would modernize cải lương," Linh shared.

Nhat Linh (a third-year student in the Journalism and Communication department) checks in at the "Memories of Cai Luong" exhibition in front of the auditorium. (Photo: Khanh Linh)

The firsthand experience completely changed Linh's perspective. The student said: "The excerpt about Queen Mother Dương Vân Nga truly surprised me. The costumes were beautiful, and the actors were fully immersed in their roles, from their eyes to their dialogue. In particular, the moment when the excerpt from the Bình Ngô Đại Cáo (Proclamation of Victory over the Wu) was played gave me goosebumps and made me feel very proud."

As the choreographer of the "Grand Triumph" performance, Pham Quang Vinh (a fourth-year student in the Department of Oriental Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) believes that the idea of ​​combining Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) with modern elements is a bold approach.

According to Vinh, incorporating contemporary elements into traditional art forms has opened up a fresh approach for younger audiences.

Pham Quang Vinh (a fourth-year student in the Department of Oriental Studies), the choreographer behind the "Grand Triumph" performance, receives a thank-you letter from the organizing committee. (Photo: Khanh Linh)

When choreographing, Quang Vinh expressed that he had to exercise restraint to maintain the spirit of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera): "I combined contemporary dance with some elements of traditional martial arts. In some parts, I used a sword to perform on stage, both to create a visual highlight and to evoke the heroic spirit in Cai Luong."

The success of Tấu Cung Giao comes not only from the spotlight, but also from the dedication and commitment of an entire group of young people.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dua-san-khau-cai-luong-den-gan-hon-voi-gioi-tre-399441.html