Top 10 Most Timeless Cai Luong Performances of All Time

"This is the dreamlike sleep that guides you across the land of flowers and grass, where there are a hundred lonely paths, a thousand sobs, and an endless sorrow filled with longing and memories."

Another heartbreaking love story that tugs at the heartstrings, "The Cold Night at the Abandoned Temple" tells the tragic tale of Bao Xuyen and Linh Son. Torn between duty to their country and the steadfast love they share, they vow to die for each other, sacrificing everything to ensure the safety and well-being of their beloved.

The depth of their devotion makes this ancient Cai Luong performance a legendary classic, celebrated by many fans for its poignant portrayal of a love that defies all odds. In the desolate, abandoned temple, Linh Son carries his deceased lover's body, walking aimlessly, knowing that though his mission is fulfilled, he will never again have the chance to be with the one he loved.

Playwright: Yen Lang
Performers: Minh Vuong, Minh Canh, Le Thuy, Phuong Lien, and more

"The evening sun has faded, leaving behind the golden leaves,
The dusk wind hurries as it reaches the hilltop."

These lyrics come from the renowned Cai Luong performance "The Crane’s Song Under the Moon," written by playwrights Loan Thao and Yen Ba. This performance tells the tragic story of Xuyen Lan, a young girl born blind, who was taken in by a kind-hearted healer. Xuyen Lan's mother passed away at childbirth, and her father roamed the underworld, burdened with an unresolved debt. Fate leads them to a heart-wrenching reunion under the most difficult circumstances.

"The Crane’s Song Under the Moon" is a moving tribute to fatherly love. The image of a father sacrificing his own sight to restore the vision of his beloved daughter leaves an indelible mark on the audience. In addition to its deeply emotional storyline, the sweet, soulful performances by legendary artists Le Thuy and Thanh Sang have etched this Cai Luong classic into the hearts of many. Time may pass, but the name of "The Crane’s Song Under the Moon" will forever remain a legendary title in the history of Vietnamese traditional theatre.

Playwrights: Yen Ba, Loan Thao
Performers: Le Thuy, Thanh Sang, Hoai Thanh, Bach Long, and more

"If I leave to become a wandering bird in a distant land,
You will remain here, like a stone statue, standing in a cold and empty royal palace."

Love is not always about possession; sometimes, it is about sacrifice. A silent sacrifice, devoting a lifetime of care and concern, only hoping for the happiness of the one you love. This is reflected in the enduring love of Ao Vu Co Han and the unwavering passion of the pirate Thach Vu in the Cai Luong performance "The Confessions of a Seabird." Both characters give everything for the ones they love, offering their hearts completely to one person. This sacrifice deepens the emotional flow of the performance, evoking a sense of heartfelt emotion and empathy from the audience.

As one of the most beloved Cai Luong performances before 1975, "The Confessions of a Seabird" remains one of the most iconic and renowned works in the genre. Even today, when people mention this classic, they hold a special affection for the characters and their roles. This demonstrates the significant influence and success the play has had in Vietnamese traditional theatre.

Playwrights: Yen Lang, Nguyen Thao
Performers: My Chau, Phuong Lien, Minh Phung, Minh Vuong, and more

"Mother, I will leave and guide the autumn into its sorrowful dreams.
Then one afternoon, I’ll find a moonlit spot at a roadside inn to pause and reminisce about the traveler’s journey."

"Human nature is inherently good," as the Buddha teaches, and each of us is born with a pure heart, like a blank sheet of paper. Yet, as life unfolds, hatred and grudges arise. To preserve goodness in our hearts, we must learn to release these resentments and live peacefully.

"Blood Stains the Temple Yard" tells a story of vengeance and bitterness in life, only to find resolution and reconciliation in the end, urging us to let go of hatred and live in peace. Alongside this, the play also portrays the touching love story between Tu Tam and Thien Nga, a romance that stirs deep emotions. Over the years, the classic Cai Luong performance "Blood Stains the Temple Yard" has left a lasting impression on audiences, thanks to its profound philosophical insights into human nature and life.

Playwright: Yen Lang
Performers: Minh Canh, Minh Vuong, Le Thuy, Thanh Kim Hue, and more

"Autumn on Mount Bach Ma" tells the sorrowful love story of the swordsman Ho Vu and the melancholy-eyed girl Phung Cam Loan. Fate brings them together, exchanging tokens as keepsakes, only to separate them by vast distances. Though she remains emotionally tied, she must marry another, and despite his unyielding love, he can only watch as the palanquin carrying her fades from view.

There are things that etch deeply into one's soul—like a glance, a look full of hidden meanings and longing. Phung Cam Loan’s sorrowful eyes will likely remain in Ho Vu’s heart forever, even though cruel men blinded her, and even though she could never be with him again.

With heartfelt emotion conveyed through every song and word, "Autumn on Mount Bach Ma" has moved countless audiences to tears, cementing itself as one of the most timeless love songs in the history of Cai Luong theatre.

Playwright: Yen Lang
Performers: My Chau, Minh Canh, Phuong Lien, Thanh Thanh Hoa, and more

The tragic love story of An Loc Son and the Empress Thái Chân is brought to life through the emotional performances of the artists in the Cai Luong play "The Tragic Love Story of An Loc Son." Love is not always about happiness and dreams; it can also bring storms, challenges, and the pain of unrequited or forbidden love. For love, there is hatred; for love, there is the determination to seek revenge and reclaim the one you cherish. An Loc Son, blinded by love, leads a rebellion to avenge his beloved, only to end up holding the lifeless body of Thái Chân in his arms. It is a love marked by fate, pride, and blindness.

Every emotional layer of this complex story is expressed through the powerful voices of the talented performers in "The Tragic Love Story of An Loc Son." With the dedication of the artists and the captivating storyline, this Cai Luong performance is sure to win the hearts of the audience, solidifying its place as one of the greatest and most memorable works in Vietnamese traditional theatre.

Playwright: The Chau
Performers: Le Thuy, Minh Vuong, Thanh Sang, and more

Not only does the Cai Luong play "Empress Duong Van Nga" deliver a deep and powerful message about patriotism and the unwavering strength of the legendary Empress of Vietnam, Duong Van Nga, but it also helped establish the renowned artist Bach Tuyet as a household name. Over the years, Cai Luong plays have brought to audiences timeless stories filled with human values, celebrating history and the heroes who helped shape the nation. "Empress Duong Van Nga" became a sensation, loved by many for its profound moral themes. The role of the Empress, brought to life by the mesmerizing performance and unparalleled vocal skill of the legendary Bach Tuyet, played a pivotal role in the success of this classic performance. As such, "Empress Duong Van Nga" rightfully earns its place as one of the greatest Cai Luong plays of all time.

Playwrights: Hoa Phuong, Chi Lang, Hoang Viet, The Ha Van (based on the Cheo script by Truc Duong)
Featured Artists: People's Artist Bach Tuyet, and others

"I would rather die and have you weep for me as I leave for the other side, than stand here and see my new wife, who has yet to marry, turn her heart cold before our union."

This poignant line, sung by artist Tan Tai, has deeply touched countless audiences with its heartfelt emotions and the beauty of its lyrics. "In Another Life, We Loved Each Other" is one of the most beloved and iconic Cai Luong plays of all time, winning admiration for its artistic value and the timeless performances of the artists involved. This tragic love story between Mo Dung Thach and the maiden Thien Kim speaks to the fate that keeps them apart despite their deep love for each other. The play also leaves an indelible impression with the heart-wrenching devotion of the character Que Minh, whose love remains steadfast no matter the obstacles.

Over the years, "In Another Life, We Loved Each Other" has remained beloved by audiences, with many younger generations of artists bringing it back to the stage, proving the enduring appeal and moral depth of this classic performance. The powerful voices of its stars continue to resonate through time.

Playwrights: Nguyen Thao, Hanh Trung.
Featured Artists: Le Thuy, Minh Vuong, My Chau, and others

"Phung, if you grow strong from the rice that nourished you, a gift from the Mongol people, then your body and heart were formed by the loving sacrifice of your parents."

The Cai Luong play "The Lover on the Battlefield" has long been a staple for connoisseurs of this art form, revered for its profound humanistic values and the emotive performances of the artists. Beyond telling a tragic love story set against the backdrop of war, it explores the themes of paternal and maternal love, as well as the selfless sacrifices parents make for their children.

Furthermore, this classic play was a pivotal moment in the careers of renowned artists like Le Thuy, Minh Phung, and Diep Lan, bringing them closer to the public's heart. "The Lover on the Battlefield" has been revived by many other artists over time, each performance solidifying the play's rightful place among the greatest Cai Luong productions of all time.

Playwrights: Moc Linh, Nguyen Thao
Featured Artists: Le Thuy, Minh Phung, Diep Lan, Ut Bach Lan, and more

"Thuy, perhaps God created me under an unlucky star, causing my life to be filled with endless struggles. I only wish for one chance to love, but I know I can never speak those words."

Regarded as one of Vietnam's most iconic Cai Luong plays, "Just One Chance to Love" tells the sorrowful tale of lovers Au Thien Vu and Ho Nhu Thuy. It has touched the hearts of audiences, evoking tears, empathy, and deep affection. This play has left a lasting impression on Vietnamese theater with its profound emotional depth.

The verse above, sung by Au Thien Vu, has become widely known, expressing the lament of a tragic fate—a love thwarted by societal prejudice and human greed. Despite the separation, the lovers vow to die for each other, remaining faithful in spirit even if not in body.

Playwright: Nguyen Thao
Featured Artists: Le Thuy, Minh Phung, Minh Vuong, and more