Preserving and promoting the art of Cai Luong along the Vam Co River

After the merger, Tay Ninh province has the Dong Vam Co River flowing from Tay Ninh to the old Long An land. Not only is it a flow of alluvium, the Dong Vam Co River also carries the soul of Cai Luong art - one of the typical cultural values ​​of the Southern region.

A scene from the play The Son of the Melaleuca Forest by Long An Opera Troupe.

In the new development journey, Tay Ninh is making efforts to preserve, inherit and spread the quintessence of Cai Luong to the masses, especially in remote, isolated and southwestern border areas.

From the big stage lights to the stage in the heart of the people

Recalling the golden age of Cai Luong, Meritorious Artist Doan Du - former Deputy Head of the Long An Cai Luong Troupe said: "From 1982 to 1994, Cai Luong was still very popular, performing from the South to the North, throughout the year, with very good revenue. From 1994 onwards, ticket sales began to decrease. At that time, the province reoriented, prioritizing serving remote and isolated areas."

No more bright lights, no more spacious theaters, artists bring the stage to the people, from football fields, vacant lots to dry season fields. Tours by boat, ship, sometimes lasting several months, through remote communes, bring with them stage equipment to set up outdoors.

The first time they switched from selling tickets to serving, there was no revenue, so the income of cai luong artists was no longer high, only the monthly salary of a state official. The artists who chose to stay at that time were those who loved their profession with an optimistic spirit. Along with the spirit of serving remote areas, serving the masses, living and performing with the people became a great encouragement for cai luong artists at that time. Despite low income and difficult performing conditions, the artists still stuck with it because of their love for the profession and the deep affection from the audience.

“A lot of people came to see me. They loved me, and after watching the show, they invited me home for dinner. That was the great affection that artists received - truly serving the masses” - Meritorious Artist Doan Du recalled with emotion.

Meritorious Artist Doan Du tells about the history of formation and development of Cai Luong art.

In the ups and downs of Long An Cai Luong, Vuong Tuan stands out as a dedicated artist, attached to the profession from 1988 until now. He is the only singer still working continuously with Long An Cai Luong Art Troupe for over 37 years.

In 1989, when the two reformed opera troupes Long An I and II merged into one, named Long An Reformed Opera Troupe, Vuong Tuan was chosen as the young generation of actors. In 1994, he became the main actor and has held this position until today. “I am fortunate to work in a good environment, with masters such as the late People's Artist Huynh Nga, Meritorious Artist Huu Loc, Mr. Tam Ky... teaching me step by step” - Mr. Vuong Tuan shared.

Awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2023, Vuong Tuan is proof of a lifetime of dedication to the art of reformed opera. From the South to the North, following the troupe across the border, the Central region, and remote areas, he has wholeheartedly served his compatriots and soldiers.

Vam Co Cai Luong Troupe: Spreading on new lands

Through many historical ups and downs, Long An Cai Luong Troupe has made its mark with many achievements. Most recently, at the 2024 National Cai Luong Festival, the Troupe won 3 Gold Medals and 3 Silver Medals. Of which, the play "Nguoi con cua rung tram" is one of the four best works nationwide, awarded the Gold Medal. Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi and Artist Ngan Cuong won the Gold Medal for actors. Meritorious Artist Vuong Tuan, Artist Thu My and Artist Phu Yen won the Silver Medal.

"The Son of the Melaleuca Forest" was inspired by the historical figure Truong Van Bang and the victory of Lang Le - Bau Co, with Mr. Truong Van Bang participating in the performance in 1948. The play was written by writer Nguyen Toan Thang, adapted to Cai Luong by People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien; directed by People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien and People's Artist Ho Ngoc Trinh.

In the two National Cai Luong Festivals in 2018 and 2022, Long An Cai Luong Art Troupe also won the Gold Medal with the play "Mother's Life" and the excellent performance with the play "By the Long Khot River".

After the merger of Long An and Tay Ninh provinces, Long An Cai Luong Troupe was renamed Vam Co Cai Luong Troupe. Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Tay Ninh province, Nguyen Tan Quoc, said: "The name Vam Co Cai Luong Troupe is not simply named after the river, but is the connection between the two lands of Tay Ninh - Long An in terms of history, poetry and art."

With a larger area, the Vam Co Cai Luong Troupe will continue to carry out its political mission, serving the people in remote areas, the southwestern border areas of Tay Ninh province - which has a border with Cambodia of more than 356 km. Tay Ninh continues to bring Cai Luong stage back to the people, improve the quality of performances, train young artists and affirm its position in national festivals.

According to VNA

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/gin-giu-va-phat-huy-nghe-thuat-cai-luong-ben-dong-vam-co-a424601.html