VietNamNet Bridge – A film adaptation of a popular cai luong (reformed opera) play by late scriptwriters Ha Trieu and Hoa Phuong, leading writers from South Viet Nam in the 1950s and 60s, celebrates 100 years of the popular southern theatre genre.

People’s Artist Le Thuy performs in HCM City in 2015 in the cai luong play, Nửa Đời Hương Phấn (The Flavour), a famous production written by late scriptwriters Ha Trieu and Hoa Phuong, leading writers from South Viet Nam in the 1950s and 60s. The film adaptation of the play will be directed by Do Thanh An. Photo from the artist’s facebook

Nửa Đời Hương Phấn (The Flavour) features love and betrayal. The musical work is recognised as a Vietnamese version of La Dame aux Camélias (The Lady with the Camellias), commonly known as Camille, a novel by Alexandre Dumas first published in 1848, and subsequently adapted by the author for the stage.

The play was first staged by the Thanh Minh-Thanh Nga Troupe in Sai Gon (now HCM City) in 1957. It has been staged and filmed in many versions.

Producer and film director Do Thanh An has signed a copyright contract with writer Phuong’s family to use the play. 

An will also work on the screenplay.  

The 90-minute film, Nửa Đời Hương Phấn, portrays a love story between Tung, a rich man, and Huong, a rural young woman who worked as a prostitute to support her family.

Tung’s father disapproves of Huong’s background and the relationship, so Tung is forced to marry another girl.

On his wedding day, he realises his future wife is Huong’s younger sister.

“My film will star veteran actors who are seen as some of the top talents of cai luong. I want to encourage young people learn more about their traditional theatre,” said the film’s director An.

In 2015, Nửa Đời Hương Phấn was restaged by cai luong stars of HCM City in a new version 58 years after its premiere.

The performance was part of a drama project called Tài Danh Đất Việt (Vietnamese Talents), launched by the Gia Bao Entertainment Company.

It attracted veteran actors Thanh Sang, Ut Bach Lan, Minh Vuong, Le Thuy and Vietnamese-American artist Phuong Lien, all of whom are considered gurus of the theatre.

An’s film use young actors from HCM City University of Theatre & Cinematography.

“I asked my staff to learn cai luong with experts from the City’s Theatre Association,” said An. 

Filming will begin this month. The movie will be in cinemas in Christmas.

Source: VNS