Bringing Cai Luong theater closer to the youth
WVR - With the desire to bring Cai Luong 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, has introduced the art program Tau Cung Giao.
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More than just a simple performance, the program strives to open new avenues for cai luong by infusing traditional melodies with a vibrant contemporary breath.
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| Veteran cai luong artists and young performers share the stage in the performance of the song "Bach Dang Giang". (Photo: Khanh Linh) |
On the evening of May 28, more than 300 spectators filled the Van Khoa auditorium (University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) to watch the Tau Cung Giao program.
The performance impressed with its elaborate staging, combining cai luong with rap and modern music, creating an emotionally rich artistic space where the golden past intersects with contemporary life.
Beyond its artistic significance, all profits from the program were donated to the Tam Binh Childcare and Protection Center, supporting children in difficult circumstances there.
Fusion of tradition and modernity
From the very first moments, Tau Cung Giao led the audience into an art space rich in narrative, where the image of the Tan Thoi theater troupe became a symbol of continuity between the past and the present.
With a three-part structure: Vang Bong, Hoai Vong, and Kham Khuc Phon Hoa, the program depicted the journey of cai luong from its glorious era, through concerns of fading away, to its strong revival in a new form.
The program's creativity lies in the multi-layered dialogue between traditional cai luong and modern elements such as rap, contemporary music, and dance.
Here, traditional melodies are placed in a new context, combined with familiar songs like Dai Khai Hoan, Bach Dang Giang, Nam Quoc Son Ha… creating a fresh experience for young audiences.
The highlight of the evening was the classic cai luong excerpt Thai hau Duong Van Nga. With the participation of Meritorious Artist Trinh Trinh and artists Ly Kieu Hanh, Xuan Truc, Ha Nang… the performance not only recreated a historical period but also evoked a passionate love for the country.
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| The cai luong play Thai hau Duong Van Nga impresses with immersive acting and historically rich costumes. (Source: Organizing Committee) |
Additionally, performances like Dai Khai Hoan brought a fresh breeze with strong choreography, combined with traditional martial arts. This blend helps the program maintain national essence while still being relatable to young audiences' tastes.
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| The song "Dai Khai Hoan ket" combines martial arts, creating a vibrant and heroic atmosphere. (Photo: Khanh Linh) |
Evaluating the overall program, Dr. Le Hong Phuoc (Head of the Department of European Languages and Cultures, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) expressed his impression with the research investment and how students created a modern, elegant performance space, avoiding the usual outdated feel.
Accordingly, the program's greatest success lies in balancing tradition and modernity, a key factor for sustainable artistic development in today's context.
A bridge connecting youth with traditional culture
Beyond a mere performance, Tau Cung Giao has truly created significant shifts in young people's perceptions of cai luong.
Nguyen Le Nhat Linh (a third-year student, Faculty of Journalism and Communication, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) shared that before attending the program, cai luong in her mind was an ancient art form associated with the grandparents' generation.
“I only knew about cai luong from a few times watching TV as a child. But seeing a program organized by students, I was curious to see how they would renew cai luong,” Linh shared.
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| Nhat Linh (a third-year student, Faculty of Journalism and Communication) checks in at the "Cai Luong Memories" exhibition before the auditorium. (Photo: Khanh Linh) |
The direct experience completely changed Linh's perspective. The female student said: “The Thai hau Duong Van Nga excerpt truly surprised me. The costumes were beautiful, and the actors were deeply immersed from their eyes to their dialogues. Especially, the moment the Binh Ngo Dai Cao excerpt was performed gave me goosebumps and made me feel very proud.”
As the choreographer for Dai Khai Hoan, Pham Quang Vinh (a fourth-year student, Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) believes that the idea of combining cai luong with modern elements is a bold direction.
According to Vinh, incorporating contemporary elements into traditional art forms has opened a new approach for young audiences.
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| Pham Quang Vinh (a fourth-year student, Faculty of Oriental Studies), the choreographer behind the "Dai Khai Hoan" performance, receives a thank-you letter from the Organizing Committee. (Photo: Khanh Linh) |
When choreographing, Quang Vinh expressed that he had to restrain himself to maintain the spirit of cai luong: “I combined contemporary dance with some traditional martial arts elements. In one segment, I used a sword to perform on stage, creating a visual highlight while evoking the heroic spirit in cai luong.”
The success of Tau Cung Giao comes not only from the stage lights but also from the journey of dedication by an entire group of young people.
