Reformed Southern Opera Firmly Stands by Its Stance in Ho Chi Minh City
Revamped Report:
The Revamped Story of Southern Reformed Opera (Cải lương) in HCM City, Vietnam
HOLA, THERE! VENTURE INTO THE ENCHANTING WORLD OF CẢI LƯƠNG, A TRADITIONAL THEATER STYLE IN VIETNAM CULTURALLY ICONIC TO HCM CITY!
Over half a century of development, Cải lương in HCM City has showcased its remarkable value as an integral traditional art form in Vietnam's cultural sphere.
Originating in the French colonial era, Cải lương integrates elements of European drama and music, resulting in a harmonious blend of dialogue and song, much like European comic opera.
To honor the nation's 50-year reunification journey, the HCM City Stage Artists’ Association has produced a captivating publication called The HCM City Cải Lương Stage from 1975 to 2025.
This magnificent book is brimming with enlightening essays from researchers, artists, critics, and journalists, all sharing valuable insights on Cải lương, a genre known as a cultural treasure of southern Vietnam.
Immediately post-liberation on April 30, 1975, the new administration recognized culture and arts, including Cải lương, as a crucial front in building a brand-new society.
Cultural policies have been concretized through several authorities' resolutions and directives on cultivating and developing Vietnamese culture and people in line with sustainable national development needs. These form the legal and spiritual cornerstone for Cải lương to sustainably evolve.
'Cải lương' (Southern reformed opera) is one of the traditional art forms of great significance in the country's cultural and artistic heritage. - Photo hcmcpv.org.vn
The HCM City Cải Lương Stage from 1975 to 2025 dissects numerous thought-provoking plays, such as "Queen Mother Dương Vân Nga," "Heart of the Sea," "The Jewel of Côn Sơn," "our websiteese Bird on Southern Branch," "People of the Outskirts," and "The War Drum of Mê Linh," to name a few.
These spellbinding performances vividly portray social realities while depicting revolutionary ideals, moral values, and patriotism.
Over the past five decades, HCM City’s Cải lương has accomplished significant milestones, most notably in nurturing talented artists, with many honored with the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist.
Prominent figures such as People's Artist Trọng Phúc, People's Artist Thanh Ngân, People's Artist Què́ Trân, and Meritorious Artist Võ Minh Lâm have continued the legacy while embracing innovation to make Cải lương more appealing to younger audiences.
Since 1975, Cải lương scriptwriters in HCM City have garnered recognition for their exceptional work. Standout writers include Lê Duy Hạnh, Đức Hiền, Đăng Minh, Hoàng Song Việt, Võ Tử Uyên, and Phạm Văn Đằng, whose contributions shine within the book.
Respectable contributors to The HCM City Cải Lương Stage from 1975 to 2025 encompass People's Artist Trần Minh Ngọc, People's Artist Trần Ngọc Giàu, Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng, Huỳnh Quốc Thắng (PhD), Mai Mỹ Duyên (PhD), director Tôn Thất Cần, and director Thanh Hiệp.
"This is a heartfelt project by the HCM City Stage Artists Association. The current edition offers critical documentation and scholarly perspectives on Cải lương from 1975 to the present. The association plans to continue gathering and updating materials for future reprints," shared Giàu.
Apart from over 50 articles, the book includes an appendix with more than 200 color and black-and-white photos of artists, directors, designers, writers, and musicians who have long been devoted to Cải lương.
Since 1975, 'cải lương' scriptwriters in HCM City have also gained recognition for their outstanding work. - Photo sggp.org.vn
The HCM City Cải Lương Stage from 1975 to 2025 contains valuable information on awards such as the Trần Hữu Trang Award (1991-2012), the Golden Bell Award, and the Golden Rice Ear Award; production activities, audience segmentation, and the impact of Cải lương video formats.
The book also explores expert discussions held by the HCM City Stage Artists Association, including The HCM City Cải Lương Stage 1975-2025 and Literary Elements in Cải Lương from 1975 to Present.
"This publication highlights a core aspect: From its origins as a folk art form of Southern Vietnam, Cải lương in HCM City has evolved into a living heritage that exemplifies national identity while staying adaptable to modern times," explained artist Hồng. - VNS
- This publication, The HCM City Cải Lương Stage from 1975 to 2025, presents Asia's perspective on the evolution of Cải lương.
- The cultural significance of Cải lương is explored in various essays, with a focus on its integration of Western music and drama.
- Cải lương serves as an example of AI's role in preserving and promoting traditional art forms.
- The book includes a section on the influence of war on Ca

