First Cải Lương performance in English to premiere soon
For the first time ever, non-Vietnamese speakers will have a golden opportunity to enjoy the first Cải Lương performance in English on August 13th, 2011 at the Hanoi Theater of Cải Lương.
It is a type of traditional music that remains complex, challenging even for Vietnamese natives to fully appreciate, let alone for foreigners with limited knowledge of Vietnamese.
For the first time, non-Vietnamese speakers had a unique opportunity to enjoy a Cải Lương performance in English on August 13th, 2025, at the Hanoi Theater of Cải Lương.
The play “The King’s Fate,” performed by the artists of the theater, narrates the tumultuous life of Ly Chieu Hoang, the last empress of the Ly dynasty. Ly Chieu Hoang, born Ly Chieu Thanh, was the daughter of King Ly Hue Tong. In an unusual turn of events in feudal Vietnam, the king had no sons, leading to Princess Ly Chieu Thanh becoming an empress. However, after marrying Tran Canh and relinquishing the throne to him under the pressure from Tran Thu Do, power shifted from the Ly family to the Tran dynasty. Tragically, after a decade of marriage without children, Ly Chieu Hoang was compelled to give up her husband to her sister. The adapted performance captures the vivid details of her life story.
Foreign audiences are provided with headphones to listen to translations and recordings in English, enhancing their understanding of the unfolding drama on stage.
This event symbolizes the beginning of a potential new chapter in cultural exchange. Nonetheless, some critics express concerns about the authenticity of such performances, arguing that translated communication may not capture the full essence of this native art form, which was never originally designed for non-native audiences.
Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, this landmark performance is set to pave the way for other Vietnamese traditional performances to engage and resonate with international audiences.
Ninh Binh Chosen Among 12 Coolest Filming Locations
The US magazine Traveler + Leisure has recently voted Ninh Binh Province as one of the 12 "coolest filming locations" in Asia.
Phu Quoc And Con Dao Are Among Most Beautiful Islands In Southeast Asia
Con Dao and Phu Quoc Islands off the southern coast of Vietnam were voted in the list of 10 most stunning islands in Southeast Asia by voters of the US magazine Travel + Leisure.
Six Senses Con Dao Named Among 15 Best Resorts In Asia
Six Senses Con Dao Resort in southern Vietnam has recently been included in the list of 15 best resorts in Asia by readers of the US magazine Travel + Leisure.
