The production premiered for audiences in Hanoi and other provinces, celebrating the success of the 14th Party Congress. People's Artist Trieu Trung Kien wrote the script, playwright Hoang Song Viet adapted it for Cai Luong, and People's Artist Giang Manh Ha directed the play.

"The Capital's Turbulent Waves" recreates the period after King Dinh Tien Hoang and his son Nam Viet Vuong Dinh Lien were assassinated. Facing the threat of invaders, Empress Dowager Duong Van Nga decided to bestow the imperial robe upon the Ten-Route General Le Hoan.

Meritorious Artist Ngoc Doi plays Empress Dowager Duong Van Nga. *Photo: Organizers*

Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang had three sons: Dinh Lien, Dinh Toan, and Dinh Hang Lang. According to "Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu" (Complete Historical Records of Dai Viet), in early Mau Dan year (978), the king appointed Hang Lang as crown prince and his second son, Dinh Toan, as Prince Ve. This caused conflict within the royal family, as his eldest son Dinh Lien, who had endured many hardships with the king, was not made crown prince. "Later, the king had a young son, Hang Lang, whom he loved dearly and made crown prince. Lien was displeased and secretly ordered his assassination," old historical records state.

Regarding the king's death, many books state he was assassinated by his close attendant Do Thich, who sought to usurp the throne. "Dai Viet Su Luoc" (Brief History of Dai Viet) records: "In winter, November, the king (Dinh Tien Hoang) was at a banquet at night and was killed by the attendant Do Thich, along with Viet Vuong Lien."

However, some historians hypothesize that this official was not the king's killer. In "The Capital's Turbulent Waves," the detail of Do Thich (played by Ngan Cuong) proclaiming his innocence is explored. According to the play, Do Thich had saved the king during a battle to quell the 12 warlords and was merely an official, incapable of committing such a crime for the throne.

In addition to recounting historical details, the play delves into the inner turmoil of those burdened with responsibility for the nation, the hidden corners of the imperial harem, and the value of human compassion. During a conversation with Duong Van Nga, Empress Ca Ong, who had just lost her son Hang Lang, sheds her arrogant facade and expresses sorrow for her fate.

An excerpt of Empress Ca Ong expressing her grief. *Video: Phuong Linh*

The production possesses the lyrical quality typical of Southern Cai Luong, conveyed through the artists' emotional singing. The interwoven singing and dialogue reveal the characters' inner feelings. The continuously changing stage settings, designed on a grand scale, enhance the play's vibrancy.

Over two and a half hours, the play captivated viewers with the artists' performances. Meritorious Artist Thu My, embodying Empress Ca Ong, made an impression in scenes of "madness" from missing her son and suffering punishment for plotting against the king. As the Ten-Route General Le Hoan, Le Hoang Nghi displayed a dignified, serious demeanor and unwavering loyalty to the country.

Artist Le Hoang Nghi previously stated the pressure of portraying a seasoned general. Due to his youthful appearance, he had to apply extensive makeup to capture the character's spirit. According to the artist, this was an opportunity for him to challenge himself and grow.

A scene of the Ten-Route General Le Hoan ascending the throne. *Video: Phuong Linh*

At the performance on 5/3 at Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, the play attracted a large audience, including many young people. Pham Duc Cuong, 20 years old, from Hanoi, said it was his first time watching a Southern Cai Luong play live. The audience was impressed by the sweet voices and experienced acting of the artists.

"The Capital's Turbulent Waves" is the first Cai Luong production staged and performed since the Tay Ninh Provincial Cai Luong Art Troupe was renamed Vam Co. Previously, there were two Cai Luong troupes: Long An and Tay Ninh. In 2018, the Tay Ninh troupe was dissolved and merged into the cultural center. When the two provinces merged, based on the Long An Cai Luong Art Troupe as the core, the renaming to Vam Co Cai Luong Art Troupe was agreed upon.

On this occasion, the troupe accepted an invitation from the Vietnam Traditional Theater, performing from 27/2 to 9/3 at venues in Hanoi and Ninh Binh. "This is a meeting between Southern melodies and Northern audiences," said troupe leader Ho Ngoc Trinh.

Phuong Linh