An artistic performance reenacting the image of the late composer Mộc Quán/Nguyễn Trọng Quyền at the commemoration of his birthday. – Photo by daibieunhandan.vn

CẦN THƠ – A cải Lương competition will be hosted to honour the contributions of the late composer Mộc Quán/Nguyễn Trọng Quyền in Cần Thơ City in September.

Cải lương (reformed opera) is a typical theatrical genre in the South, featuring the hopes and dreams of southern people.

The competition will consist of three stages, culminating in a final round in December.

The competition is open to artists and actors currently active in the field of cải lương theater nationwide.

Prizes include seven Gold medals with each medal receiving VNĐ20 million, eight Silver medals with each medal receiving VNĐ10 million and five sub-prizes with VNĐ5 million for each.

Finalists and awardees will receive a crest and certificates of merit from the organizers.

The competition is co-organised by the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association and Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cần Thơ City.

Mộc Quán, also known as Nguyễn Trọng Quyền, was born in 1876, in Thạnh Hoà - Trung Nhứt village, Định Mỹ canton, Thốt Nốt District (now Trung Kiên ward, Thốt Nốt District, Cần Thơ City), which is in the southern region of Việt Nam.

Mộc Quán is known for his contributions to the development and innovation of the cải lương art form. He had a 50-year career as a Tuồng composer and performer.

He is credited with inventing Cải Lương Tuồng Tàu, which is a variation or adaptation of tuồng with a unique blend of cultural elements.

Tuồng (classical drama) is a form of traditional Vietnamese theater that involves music, singing, and stylized movements that began in the 17th century. – VNS