Taking care of the literary value in the art of reformed opera

The viewpoint of constantly renewing cải lương without understanding it deeply has destroyed the values ​​in which literary quality needs to be preserved.

On the morning of October 30, the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association organized a discussion on "Literary character in reformed theater art from 1975 to present", with the participation of artists, critics and reporters.

Enduring vitality

According to experts, the literary quality in the cai luong scripts of authors such as People's Artist Nguyen Thanh Chau exploits romantic and lyrical themes with: "Wife and Love", "Men ruou huong tinh", or heroic and tragic themes with "Binh Tay dai nguyen soai"...; Tran Huu Trang with the theme of critical realism through two works "Doi co Luu", "To Anh Nguyet"...; Dieu Huyen with the theme of revolution through "Tiem lai cuoc doi"; Minh Khoa - Nguyen Gia Nghiem with "Nguoi ven do"... have created an attractiveness for the cai luong stage when the works are imbued with humanity, conveying a philosophy of life close to workers and farmers, arousing patriotism and a spirit of solidarity.

People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau - Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, shared that there are scripts that have entered social life, folk songs that people remember clearly, sung in cultural exchanges or family parties. The enduring vitality of the literary quality in Cai Luong is over 100 years old but still not old. "The viewpoint of constantly renewing Cai Luong regardless, without understanding it deeply, has led to hasty innovation, destroying the values ​​in which literary quality needs to be preserved" - People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau noted.

A scene from the cai luong play “Red Coral” by writer Bich Ngan, adapted by author Pham Van Dang, directed by People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau

Cai luong scripts with strong literary qualities such as "Tieng Trong Me Linh" (authors: Viet Dung - Vinh Dien), "Ben Cau Det Lua" (author: The Chau), "Bong Toi va Anh Toi" (author Ngoc Linh), "Cay Du Rieng Tro Hoa" (authors: Hoai Linh - Moc Linh, director: Van Chieu), "Tinh Ma Tu" (author Vien Chau), "Hon Vong Phu" (authors Luu Quang Thuan - The Ha Van), "Hoa Doc Trong Vuon" (author Le Duy Hanh)... are typical examples. The scripts do not stop at the refinement of dialogue but also have strong literary qualities, clearly shown through the system of characters and ideological conflicts.

Dr. Do Dung analyzed: "A literary script must ensure the following elements: lyrics, methodical selection, and character development. If the director and actors do not respect the literary script and do not properly absorb its literary value, they cannot convey emotions to the audience."

Aiming at a team of young writers who love literature

Researchers believe that the Cai Luong plays of the golden age of the stage from 1975 to 1985 carry the spirit of national literature, the harmony between poetry and music, contributing to conveying messages about patriotism, family affection, and compatriots' affection.

From 1990 onwards, Cai Luong entered a period of innovation, with the appearance of many new authors. The literary quality of Cai Luong scripts at this time began to change to suit the trend of the times. The content of Cai Luong scripts began to approach more realistic issues, closely related to the modern life of people after the period of economic innovation.

However, this is also the period when the literary quality of cai luong scripts faces many challenges. The focus on exploiting social themes and real life sometimes leads to a lack of literary depth.

People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc believes that from 2010 to 2024, Cai Luong will once again face strong changes in modern society. "Cai Luong scripts have begun to address contemporary issues such as the environment, education, and love in modern society, but fortunately, they still retain the sophistication of traditional literature," said People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc.

Aiming to build a team of young writers who love literature, the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association has organized basic and advanced training courses, attracting many young writers, in which they systematically analyze and dissect the art of writing cai luong scripts so that each outline is approved, raising the literary quality. The writing camps have experimented with inviting writers to participate, exchanging perspectives on topics, raising the ideological level, and bringing literary and poetic qualities into cai luong scripts.

Many young authors have bravely experimented with new themes, bringing new vitality to reformed opera, including authors Hoang Song Viet, Vo Tu Uyen, To Thien Kieu, Pham Van Dang...

Source: https://nld.com.vn/cham-chut-tinh-van-hoc-trong-nghe-thuat-cai-luong-196241030211825813.htm