Keeping the passion for Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) alive through a talent competition.

The 2026 National Cai Luong Actor Talent Competition, held in Ho Chi Minh City, concluded after a week of exciting competition. From the performances, audiences witnessed the growth of a new generation of artists, ready to inherit the glorious traditions of their predecessors.

On the evening of May 23rd, at the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre (Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), the Department of Performing Arts, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the Vietnam Theatre Artists Association, and other relevant units, organized the closing ceremony and awards presentation for the 2026 National Cai Luong Actor Talent Competition. Attending the closing ceremony was Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Loc, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.

As a result, the organizing committee awarded four first prizes to the actors with outstanding performances: Truong Trong Nhan (Huynh Long Traditional Opera Troupe); Nguyen Thi Ha (Vietnam National Traditional Theatre); Nguyen Thi Bich Cham (Vu Luan Entertainment Co., Ltd.); and Le Hoang Nghi (Vam Co Traditional Opera Troupe).

A meaningful vocational training event.

The 2026 National Cai Luong Actor Talent Competition is both a platform for artists to showcase their talents and a space to affirm the vitality of Cai Luong art in contemporary life. The competition is also an opportunity for the public to look back on the journey of Cai Luong art, from traditional folk performances in thatched houses to dazzling stages and moments of quiet reflection as the stage seeks new directions. It represents the enduring journey of an art form that constantly adapts to the times but never strays from its unique identity.

On the competition stage, the audience enjoyed new voices and young talents showcasing their passion, dedication, and innovative creativity. Several performances left a lasting impression, such as "The Red River" (actress Tran Thi Truc Phuong, Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre), "A Solo Performance " (Truong Trong Nhan, Huynh Long Traditional Cai Luong Troupe), "Macbeth's Improvisation" (Nguyen Thi Ha, Vietnam National Traditional Theatre), " The Jade Essence of Cam Thi Giang" (Vo Vu Linh, Can Tho City Cultural and Arts Center), "Hungry Ghost" (Vo Hoang Du, Vam Co Cai Luong Art Troupe), "Thunderstorm" (Nguyen Thi Bich Cham, Vu Luan Entertainment Co., Ltd.)...

Actor Truong Trong Nhan, from the Huynh Long Traditional Opera Troupe, in the role of an artist in the excerpt "Acting Alone". Photo: THUY BINH

People's Artist Ho Ngoc Trinh, Director of the Vam Co Cai Luong Art Troupe, shared: “This competition is a great opportunity for Cai Luong actors, especially young talents. Coming to the competition, actors have ample time to prepare, from choosing roles perfectly suited to their talents to receiving training support from masters in the profession… Through this competition, Cai Luong actors gain more resources to develop their singing and acting skills on their artistic journey.”

Not placing too much emphasis on awards, People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien, Director of the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre, commented: "After observing the young contestants' performances for many sessions, I see that they have all tried their best to surpass themselves. Hopefully, the next season will see more talented individuals from various localities participating in large numbers. Only then can we thoroughly assess the pool of talented actors, so that organizations can develop training programs, invest in their development, and help them grow."

The younger generation is firmly carrying on the legacy.

Among the judging panel, alongside long-established and renowned artists, there are two relatively young names: People's Artist Que Tran and Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam. While People's Artist Que Tran represents the next generation of renowned Cai Luong artists such as Thanh Tong, Minh Vuong, and Le Thuy, Meritorious Artist Vo Minh Lam is a testament to the current younger generation.

Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng commented: “The participation of a young artist like Võ Minh Lâm is highly anticipated. Along with Quế Trân, these two artists contribute to bringing perspectives and assessments that represent a continuity between generations. Especially, they offer youthful and more relatable viewpoints that align with today's entertainment and artistic trends for audiences.”

In his overall assessment of the competition, People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, stated that from the innovative organizational format to the rejuvenation of the judging panel, everything aimed to find the next generation and prepare for the future of Cai Luong theater. “The future of theater belongs to this young generation of artists. Our generation is now acting as companions, supporting and creating opportunities for the next generation to hone their skills, access the role of those working in theater, and evaluate theater. And in this competition, Que Tran and Vo Minh Lam did very well, providing accurate and insightful assessments, while also listening to and accepting artistic standards to supplement their knowledge,” People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau remarked.

An excerpt from "The Jade of Cam Thi Giang" performed by actor Vo Vu Linh, Can Tho City Cultural and Arts Center. Photo: THUY BINH

The competition has concluded, but for those involved, many concerns remain. Representatives from various art organizations expressed worry about a generation of artists who risk becoming "old before they've grown up"; because not every place has the conditions for Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) to operate effectively. Acknowledging these concerns, People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau shared: "We understand this very well. Our generation experienced a period when Cai Luong faced many difficulties. Therefore, for Cai Luong art to develop, in addition to the efforts of the artists, it also requires those in art management to strive to remove bottlenecks and bring the stage closer to the audience. Only then can Cai Luong art continue to 'live' in the flow of contemporary art."

THUY BINH

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/giu-lua-dam-me-cai-luong-tu-mot-cuoc-thi-tai-nang-post854125.html