Exhibition and performances mark 100 years of cai luong

A programme featuring an exhibition and performances of cai luong (reformed opera) opened at Tran Huu Trang Theatre in Ho Chi Minh City on December 17 to celebrate 100 years of the art form.

Scene at the event

The event introduced to visitors the development of cai luong over the past 10 decades, with artists from the theatre staging excerpts from different periods in the art’s history. The performers also showed their audiences props, costumes and make-up techniques used for cai luong plays.

As part of the three-day programme, nearly 100 paintings by Truong Van Y are on display, featuring portraits of renowned cai luong artists and playwrights like Vien Chau, Cao Van Lau, Ut Tra On and Dinh Bang Phi.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Huynh Thanh Nhan, Director of the municipal Department of Culture and Sports, said from its southern cradle, cai luong has reached audiences nationwide, becoming a distinct art of the south.

Nhan expected the event will help people understand cai luong and its values so the art can continue to thrive.

Cai luong is a form of modern folk opera, particularly popular in southern Vietnam. It is the convergence of southern Vietnamese folk songs, classical music, tuong (traditional opera) and modern spoken drama.

VNA