Alongside various other forms of traditional art, the preservation and promotion of traditional Cai Luong art have garnered significant attention from the government and the cultural sector.
Cai Luong, a creation of the Vietnamese people, serves the spiritual life of the nation. In Sino-Vietnamese, “Cai Luong” means “reformation” or “improvement.” To enhance Cai Luong, it must manifest through stage performances, script themes, performing arts, and orchestration. Since its inception, Cai Luong has become a distinctive traditional art form of Vietnam, reflecting a wide range of emotions and resonating deeply with the people due to its simple, easy-to-understand lyrics and rhythm.
In alignment with Program 06-CTr/TU dated March 17, 2021, issued by the Hanoi Party Committee on “Cultural Development; Enhancing the Quality of Human Resources; Building a Civilized and Elegant Hanoi for the 2021-2025 Period,” the Hanoi Cai Luong Theater has been highly dedicated to this traditional art form in recent years. Annually, the theater stages two to three productions, performing regularly for the public at Hoan Kiem Lake’s pedestrian streets with themes like “The Sound of the Homeland” and “Echoes of Old Songs”. Additionally, the theater produces and performs dozens of programs to serve political missions. Between 2021 and June 2024, the Hanoi Cai Luong Theater held 100 performances for political events and 79 performances for the public during weekend programs.
Under projects and plans spearheaded by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, the theater has recently produced nine new works, restored two classical plays, and staged one excerpt. These productions have received high praise from the city’s Artistic Council. Over the past three years, the theater has achieved significant success. In 2022, it won a Gold Medal for the play “Troi Nam” at the Capital Theater Festival. That same year, the theater also earned a Gold Medal for “Phan Ma Dao” at the National Cai Luong Theater Festival. In 2023, the theater received a Gold Medal and a Bronze Medal at the National Traditional Musical Instruments Solo and Ensemble Competition.
Some outstanding performances and programs by the Hanoi Cai Luong Theater
Safeguarding and advancing traditional Cai Luong art, the Hanoi Cai Luong Theater has actively researched and developed solutions to preserve and enhance this traditional art form. Efforts include the restoration of traditional plays such as “Kieu,” “Ly Thuong Kiet,” and “Nang Phi Yen”, which not only elevate the artistic quality of the theater but also strengthen its young and succeeding generation of performers. Through the promotion of traditional art, the theater aims to shape the aesthetic sensibilities of its audience.
Moreover, the Hanoi Cai Luong Theater has effectively implemented the city’s project to introduce and perform adaptations of renowned Vietnamese and international literary works included in the general education curriculum at Hanoi schools during the 2022-2030 period. The play “Kieu” is among these adaptations.
In the near future, the theater plans to continue restoring and performing classic works while bringing literary masterpieces to the stage. Specifically, by the end of 2024, the theater will participate in the National Professional Cai Luong Theater Festival and the Capital Theater Festival. It will also perform artistic programs for political missions and to welcome the New Year 2025. Notably, the theater proudly won a Silver Medal for the play “Ly Thuong Kiet” at the expanded 2024 Capital Theater Festival.
Quynh Anh