A TV documentary series is made to honour traditional opera cai luong (reformed opera).
The series, " Mot Doi Nghiep To " (Foremost Artistes of Cai LuongTheatre), the first of its kind, includes four parts featuring thehistory of traditional music, including songs and plays in differentstyles performed by veteran artists.
The producer,Ho Chi Minh City Television's Film Studio (TFS), worked with itspartner, Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Association, to hire staff and investin the project.
The film's first part highlightssix pioneers, Nam Chau, Phung Ha, Nam Phi, Ba Van, Thanh Ton and Ut TraOn, who all have received the honour People's Artist from theGovernment.
"Though our artistes have passed away,their art is still alive among their students and fans," Nguyen ThanhChung, one of the film's directors, said.
Cai luong guru
The film's second-part will feature Thanh Tong, a cai luong guru who has devoted his life to revive the art.
Tong began his professional career when he was 10, working for the CauQuan Troupe in District 1, a leading cai luong troupe owned by NguyenVan Thang, a great veteran of cai luong.
With his strong voice and performance skills, Tong quickly became a bright star on stage.
In the 1960s, Tong was at the peak of his artistry and fame. Heperformed in many plays such as " Doi Co Luu " (Miss Luu's Life) and "To Anh Nguyet " (Miss To Anh Nguyet), which are recognised as classiccai luong plays.
He was also involved in writing,trying to put his new ideas into quality scripts like " Pham Cong CucHoa " and " An Duong Vuong " , both featuring Vietnamesecharacteristics.
Many of his cai luong plays have been staged many times by leading troupes at home and abroad.
Like many of his peers, Tong devoted his energies to the stage, finding new ways to lure audiences, particularly youth.
Tong has also worked hard to train younger colleagues. Many of hisstudents, including Trinh Trinh, Tu Suong, Truong Son and his oldestdaughter, Que Tran, have won top prizes at national competitions andfestivals.
"Through our art, we wanted to preservethe country's spirit. We hope our children grow up within love andrespect for the traditional arts," said the 77-year-old artist.
For his contributions for the theatre, Tong was honoured as People's Artist by the Government in 2007.-VNA
The series, " Mot Doi Nghiep To " (Foremost Artistes of Cai LuongTheatre), the first of its kind, includes four parts featuring thehistory of traditional music, including songs and plays in differentstyles performed by veteran artists.
The producer,Ho Chi Minh City Television's Film Studio (TFS), worked with itspartner, Ho Chi Minh City Theatre Association, to hire staff and investin the project.
The film's first part highlightssix pioneers, Nam Chau, Phung Ha, Nam Phi, Ba Van, Thanh Ton and Ut TraOn, who all have received the honour People's Artist from theGovernment.
"Though our artistes have passed away,their art is still alive among their students and fans," Nguyen ThanhChung, one of the film's directors, said.
Cai luong guru
The film's second-part will feature Thanh Tong, a cai luong guru who has devoted his life to revive the art.
Tong began his professional career when he was 10, working for the CauQuan Troupe in District 1, a leading cai luong troupe owned by NguyenVan Thang, a great veteran of cai luong.
With his strong voice and performance skills, Tong quickly became a bright star on stage.
In the 1960s, Tong was at the peak of his artistry and fame. Heperformed in many plays such as " Doi Co Luu " (Miss Luu's Life) and "To Anh Nguyet " (Miss To Anh Nguyet), which are recognised as classiccai luong plays.
He was also involved in writing,trying to put his new ideas into quality scripts like " Pham Cong CucHoa " and " An Duong Vuong " , both featuring Vietnamesecharacteristics.
Many of his cai luong plays have been staged many times by leading troupes at home and abroad.
Like many of his peers, Tong devoted his energies to the stage, finding new ways to lure audiences, particularly youth.
Tong has also worked hard to train younger colleagues. Many of hisstudents, including Trinh Trinh, Tu Suong, Truong Son and his oldestdaughter, Que Tran, have won top prizes at national competitions andfestivals.
"Through our art, we wanted to preservethe country's spirit. We hope our children grow up within love andrespect for the traditional arts," said the 77-year-old artist.
For his contributions for the theatre, Tong was honoured as People's Artist by the Government in 2007.-VNA
