In the opening episode called "Touching the Five Arrows" produced by People's Artist Que Tran on the evening of the 7th, 6 audience members were led through many different layers of art space. From conversations about how to bring Cai Luong closer to Gen Z, the program gradually opened up a part of memories associated with the late People's Artist Thanh Tong.
The most touching highlight is the re-enactment of the excerpt from the Ho Quang Cai Luong play "San Hau" with the participation of People's Artist Que Tran, artist Thanh Son and artist Chi Bao. Interspersed with the performance are documentary footage about the life and career of the late People's Artist Thanh Tong.
Not simply a nostalgic performance, the appearance of these images helps the audience better understand the origin of the project. Before thinking about innovation or modernization, the most important thing is still to preserve the traditional values that have made the identity of Cai Luong.
As the daughter of late NSND Thanh Tong, NSND Que Tran has long been considered one of the active artists in preserving and promoting the classical opera genre. However, instead of just repeating what belongs to the past, the female artist chose to dialogue with the younger generation with new artistic languages.
Therefore, the combination between People's Artist Que Tran and singer TIA became a noteworthy highlight of the first episode. On the background of a modern Trap-colored arrangement, traditional Ngu Cung sounds are renewed with rap by TIA directly composing.
The seemingly opposite combination brings unexpected effects. While TIA represents youthful and personal musical thinking, NSND Que Tran still retains the characteristic Cai Luong quality, creating a harmonious meeting between tradition and modernity.
The female artist said that she had to make a lot of effort to adapt to the new way of handling music. If ancient songs and plays are familiar areas, then combining with contemporary music requires her to re-learn how to feel the rhythm and perform.
Those experiments show the determination of People's Artist Que Tran in bringing Cai Luong closer to the young public. Instead of imposing or keeping a distance, she chooses to listen and entrust creative power to new generation artists.
Through "Art & Touch", People's Artist Que Tran not only continues to preserve the heritage left by late People's Artist Thanh Tong, but also finds ways to help that heritage continue to live in contemporary life.
