The Vietnamese play was honoured in four categories: best play, best director, best actor, and best actress.

This marks the first time the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has brought southern-style cải lương to an international event in China and achieved such recognition.

Eclipse, written by Le Duy Hanh and directed by Le Nguyen Dat, tells the story of young people passionate about the art of cải lương. Despite life’s challenges, they preserve and develop this traditional art form while passing on their love to the next generation.

The play is based on the late Le Duy Hanh’s earlier work, Diễn kịch một mình (Performing Alone), which left a strong impression on audiences. This year marks the eighth time the play has been staged under the direction of meritorious artist Le Nguyen Dat.

According to the judging panel, the Vietnamese play made a remarkable contribution to preserving the traditional art of reformed opera, winning the hearts of many viewers.

First held in 2013, the annual China-ASEAN Theatre Week promotes cultural and artistic exchanges between China and ASEAN member states. Vietnam is a regular participant, highly appreciated for its diverse offerings spanning traditional to modern arts.

This year’s event took place in Nanning, Guangxi province, from October 28 to November 1, featuring 15 troupes from ASEAN and China. Vietnam sent two works: Nhật Thực (Eclipse) by the University of Theatre and Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City and Đám cưới chuột (Mice Wedding) by Le Ngoc Theatre.

World classic play first on cai luong stage

Medea - an ancient Greek tragedy written by Euripides and first produced in 431 BC has been on the cai luong (reformed opera) stage for the first time, conquering Vietnamese audiences.