VietNamNet Bridge – A blend of cinema techniques and cai luong (reformed opera) initiated by the director of Ha Noi Cai Luong Theatre has become a new attraction.

New technique: A scene from Yeu La Thoat Toi cai luong show, an experimental blend of cinema techniques and theatrical art. — Photo Courtesy of Ha Noi Cai Luong Theatre

Nguyen Quang Hung, acclaimed as an artist of merit, introduced short video clips during breaks in an opera titled Yeu La Thoat Toi (Love is not an Offence).

During each break, video clips were screened with images of exterior scenes for the next scene on stage.

The clips, using the sounds of music, wind, flying leaves, running horses and water blend with the scenes on stage to form a complete story.

The recorded sounds are also used throughout the play to create better sound effects.

"The clips provide a sense of continuity rather than silent breaks in the dark while theatre workers prepare props for the next scenes," said patron Tran Trung Thanh.

"I hope the use of cinema techniques on stage like this will attract more youth to the traditional art," he said.

"The blend of theatre and cinema is not new, but using cinema techniques to fill gaps during breaks is a fresh idea," said Luu Minh Thai, a student from Ha Noi Academy of Theatre and Cinema.

The play tells the story of a royal mandarin under the Nguyen Dynasty. The wife of the mandarin, Thi Lan, was beautiful and talented while the mandarin was honest, but hated by other mandarins.

"I chose this play because we have performed it since 2011," Hung told Viet Nam News. "I want to check the audience's feeling when they see the old play in a new blending with cinema art."

At the end of the show, question sheets are distributed to the audience to check on the effects. Most of audiences seem contented.

Hung said he would apply the same techniques to other contemporary cai luong plays.

Yeu La Thoat Toi with experimental cinema effects was on show on July 28 at 8pm at Chuong Vang (Golden Bell) Theatre, 72 Hang Bac Street. It will then tour northern provinces.

Source: VNS