Cai luong star Thanh Ngan of HCM City will introduce tai tu music at Hội Tụ Tinh Hoa Nghệ Thuật Việt (The Beauty of Vietnamese Theatre) show in HCM City on April 26. The event celebrates the 46th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30. Photo courtesy of HCM City Theatre Artists’ Organisation

The event, Hội Tụ Tinh Hoa Nghệ Thuật Việt (The Beauty of Vietnamese Theatre), celebrates the 46th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30. 

It will feature more than 100 performers in different genres of traditional theatre, such as cai luong (reformed opera) of the South, tuong (classical drama) of the Central, and cheo (traditional opera) of the North. 

Young talents of the Hue Theatre of Music and Singing, HCM City Hat Boi Theatre and Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre will be included. 

Highlighted performances will include ca tru (ceremonial singing), quan ho (love dual singing), tai tu (southern folk music) and nha nhac (royal ceremonial music), which were all recognised as an intangible heritage of humanity by UNESCO. 

“Artists of the show Hội Tụ Tinh Hoa Nghệ Thuật Việt will use their art to tell the stories of Vietnamese people, the country’s history, culture and lifestyle,” People’s Artist Trinh Thuy Mui, chairwoman of the Vietnam Theatre Artists’ Association, the event’s organiser, said. 

Cai luong stars Thanh Ngan and Trong Phuc of HCM City will introduce tai tu music at the event. Their performance will depict the daily life of southern farmers who have worked hard to develop their land prosperity and wealth. 

Tai tu is a part of the region’s traditional music that began 100 years ago. The art is considered the prototype for vong co (nostalgic tunes) and cai luong of the South.  

The music is associated with farmers who sing while working in the fields or relaxing at the end of a hard day. Tai tu songs are often performed at traditional festivals, and wedding and death anniversary events in the region. It was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013. 

“We have worked hard for several weeks and spent a lot on beautiful clothes and accessories suited to the show’s theme. Sound and light effects are also used to highlight our art,” said the show’s director-producer Tran Ngoc Giau. 

People’s Artist Giau said the show’s concept will help audiences learn more about Vietnamese culture and theatre. 

Hội Tụ Tinh Hoa Nghệ Thuật Việt will begin at 8pm on Monday, April 26, at the HCM City Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, District 1. 

VNS

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