Cai luong singing star Ut Bach Lan died of liver cancer on November 4 at her home in HCM City. She was 81.

Lan, whose real name is Dang Thi Hai, was born in 1935 in the Cửu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Long An.

She began her career at the age of 11 with the support of musician and composer Van Vi.

With her beautiful voice, Lan quickly became known and was invited to work for the Kim Chuong Troupe, one of the most famous cải lương troupes in the South. Cai luong is a traditional performing arts form that became popular in southern Vietnam in the early 20th century.

She performed in numerous plays, such as Love of a Hero, The Flavour, and Hang’s Daughter, which got tears from audiences in different generations.

Lan became a bright star in the 1950s and 1960s.

From 1976 to 1986, she was director of the Long An Province’s Cai Luong Troupe, and instructed many young artists.

Thanks to her training, many artistes, such as My Thu, Phuong Hong Thuy and Ngan Vuong became cai luong stars and won top prizes at national competitions and festivals.

After retirement, she worked with the Lac Long Quan Theatre Club to perform and train young generations.

The funeral will be held at her house on Tran Hung Dao Street in District 1 until November 8.

VNS