Precious artifacts from the golden age of Cai Luong

A 100-year-old "Kim Van Kieu" record and a publication featuring artist Thanh Nga and her mother are being introduced for the first time in a Cai Luong exhibition.

Collector Huynh Minh Hiep introduces the 100-year-old vinyl record and his collection. *Mai Nhat*

Visitors are exploring the exhibition at the Tran Huu Trang Theater in Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM). This event is part of a series honoring Cai Luong art, organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Propaganda Department in collaboration with TFS Film Studio and the theater.

The exhibition showcases artifacts owned by collector Huynh Minh Hiep, 54. These items, unveiled for the first time, include over 300 handwritten Cai Luong scripts, audio recordings, promotional flyers, and publications, which he has preserved for over 30 years. The oldest relic is a "Kim Van Kieu" vinyl record. This particular work premiered at the opening of Thay Nam Tu's theater in My Tho on 15/3/1918.

Two panels featuring artists Cong Tai and To Loan were used on the establishment day of the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theater in 1976. The theater's predecessor was Hung Dao Theater, once dubbed the "sacred stage" of Saigon.

A portrait of artist Tam Van in the script for the play "Gian Xua", printed in 1947. This publication was often given to audiences before entering the theater. Tam Van (1924-2009) mentored a generation of golden-age Cai Luong artists, including Thanh Nga, Bach Tuyet, Thanh Tu, Mong Tuyen, and Bao Quoc.

Huynh Minh Hiep presents a publication commemorating the 15th anniversary of the renowned Thanh Minh Thanh Nga Cai Luong troupe, released in 1965.

A portrait of "sad lady" Ut Bach Lan on a poster for the Tan Hoa Lan troupe, which she founded.

The first page features "stage queen" Thanh Nga, a star of the troupe, with her mother, troupe manager Nam Tho. The second page showcases the handwriting of artist Nam Chau, writer of many classic plays that contributed to the success of the Thanh Minh Thanh Nga troupe.

Artist Thanh Sang (left) in his portrayal of Kim Mao Su Vuong, a role that earned him a gold medal at the Thanh Tam Award in 1964.

Black and white photographs documenting Ho Quang Cai Luong plays have been preserved by the owner to this day.

A Cai Luong comic book, "Luong Son Ba - Chuc Anh Dai", is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. It is printed on pelure paper, a thin, light industrial paper, making it easily torn.

Advertising posters for popular troupes in the 1960s, including the troupe of artists Ut Bach Lan and Thanh Duoc, featuring famous plays like Do Long Dao and Vo Dong So - Bach Thu Ha.

Old Cai Luong tickets preserve the memories of devoted fans.

The exhibition attracts young visitors eager to learn about Cai Luong's golden era. The program also features workshops and specialized seminars on traditional music. Students can learn to sing with artists and participate in games guessing historical characters and plays based on costumes and props (hats, armor, swords, fans).

Famous vong co and bolero music records from the 1950s-1960s are carefully preserved. Huynh Minh Hiep shared that his ancestor was a *doc phu su*, a high-ranking official during the French colonial period, in Bac Lieu. Whenever he returns to his hometown, he reorganizes the collections in storage, discovering previously unknown artifacts.

A poster promoting the Kim Khanh Award in 1972, featuring prominent figures such as Thanh Lan, Bach Tuyet, Hung Cuong, and Che Linh. This annual event honored talents in cinema, modern music, spoken drama, and Cai Luong, with titles like "best actress" (*anh hau*) and "best actor" (*anh de*).