DEDICATION- Scriptwriter Lê Duy Hạnh worked for leading drama and cải lương (reformed opera) theatres in the South. Photo courtesy of the HCMCity Theatre’s Artists Association

HCM CITY— Veteran theatre critic and scriptwriter Lê Duy Hạnh, former chairman of the HCM City Theatre’s Association, died of a heart attack on September 6 in HCM City. He was 76. 

Hạnh was born in Bình Định Province. He joined revolutionary movements when he was young. 

He began his career as a scriptwriter for cải lương (reformed opera) theatres in HCM City in 1976. He also worked as a lecturer for the HCM City Theatre & Cinematography University and HCM City Culture University.  

He worked with cải lương gurus such as late actress Thanh Nga, People’s Artist Bạch Tuyết, Kim Cương and Thanh Tòng.  

He wrote and produced several drama and cải lương plays featuring Vietnamese history, such as Vua Thánh Triều Lê (The Kings of Lê Dynasty), Lý Chiêu Hoàng (Empress regnant Lý Chiêu Hoàng), Tâm Sự Ngọc Hân (Princess Lê Ngọc Hân) and Mặt Trời Đêm Thế Kỷ (Sun after the Long Night), which won top prizes for the best play at national theatre festivals and contests. 

CẢI LƯƠNG VETERAN- Renowned theatre critic and scriptwriter Lê Duy Hạnh (second from left) died of a heart attack on September 6 in HCM City. He was 76. Photo courtesy of the artist’s family

One of Hạnh’s historical plays, Lý Chiêu Hoàng, has been staged many times by leading drama and cải lương troupes in the South. 

The play portrays the empress regnant Lý Chiêu Hoàng, the last and only sovereign of the Lý Dynasty. The themes of patriotism, bravery and honesty as well as love and betrayal are also featured.

Hoàng ruled the kingdom of Đại Việt as queen regnant from 1224 to 1225. Later, she was forced to deliver the throne to her husband, Trần Cảnh, later King Trần Thái Tông, the first king of the Trần Dynasty, who ruled Đại Việt for 33 years (1226-1258).

Through his play, Lý Chiêu Hoàng, scriptwriter Hạnh introduced new concepts in cải lương. 

“Late scriptwriter Lê Duy Hạnh played a very important role in our theatre’s development. His art helps young people to improve their knowledge and love for Vietnamese history,” said theatre director and critic Thanh Hiệp of the HCM City Theatre Artists’ Association. — VNS