Cai Luong Art in Contemporary Life: Bringing students closer to a Celebration of Cultural Heritage

On November 9, 2024, as part of the Fundamentals of Vietnamese Culture course, the Brand Communication Department from the Faculty of Public Relations and Communication collaborated with the Thien Ly Cai Luong Troupe to organize the program “Cai Luong Art in Contemporary Life.” This event attracted nearly 2,000 third-year students majoring in Multimedia Communications. The program aimed to preserve and promote the cultural values of reformed theater, helping students gain deeper insights into this unique art form.

Based on a true historical event, the play "Duong Hoang Hau" featured prominent characters like General Ly Thuong Kiet, Empress Thuong Duong, and Concubine Y Lan, vividly portraying the power struggles among concubines in the Ly Dynasty’s royal court. Through this, audiences not only enjoyed a masterpiece of art but also delved into Vietnam’s history, particularly the Ly Dynasty's prosperous era.

After enjoying the historically and culturally rich performance, students had the opportunity to engage in direct discussions with the guest performers. The guests shared intriguing anecdotes about their careers, the serendipity that led them to Cai Luong, and their relentless efforts to keep this traditional art form alive in modern life.

“Your passion for traditional arts is a tremendous encouragement to us,” said Ms. Tu Quyen, the actress portraying Empress Thuong Duong. Similarly, Mr. Ha Nang, who played General Ly Thuong Kiet, expressed his joy: “I hope this performance allows students to see the beauty and enduring vitality of traditional art, fostering a deeper appreciation for Cai Luong.”

Notably, Van Lang University students also had the chance to transform into Cai Luong artists on stage. Under the meticulous guidance of the performers, students practiced singing techniques, gaining firsthand experience in the performance style of this traditional art form.

Throughout the event, third-year Multimedia Communication students showcased their midterm project as a stage performance. Through the act “Village Market Romance,” the students recreated familiar rural market scenes and the Southern landscapes of ancient Vietnam, where folk songs, traditional melodies, and Don Ca Tai Tu music echoed daily. It is from these labor songs of over a century ago that the foundation of Cai Luong was formed.

Appreciating their creativity in merging production techniques with the passion of true artists, Mr. Le Tran Bao Phuong, Vice Head of the Branding Strategy Department, remarked: “Through this act, I can see the student’s love for traditional culture and passion for the arts clearly reflected.”

The program “Cai Luong Art in Contemporary Life” successfully connected young generations to this traditional art form, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the cultural values of Cai Luong reformed theater. It inspired national pride and fostered a deep love for Vietnamese culture among students.

Recognizing that a solid foundation in Vietnamese culture plays a key role in students' confidence to express their identities, the Faculty of Public Relations - Communications has continuously focused on activities that convey the essence of Vietnamese culture. For years, students of the faculty have been equipped not only with strong professional skills but also with the ability to promote Vietnam’s cultural heritage to the international community.

News: Hoang Anh
Photos: Gia Thuan