The National Cải Lương (reformed opera) Festival 2018 is underway in Long An province, attracting the participation of 25 theatres and troupes nationwide.  

Festival organisers said theatres were using music troupes to perform live on stage instead of playing recorded music, which is the norm in cải lương.

Several highlights of the festival include Thái hậu Dương Vân Nga (Queen Mother Duong Van Nga), Rạng ngọc Côn Sơn (The Shining Pearl of Côn Sơn), and Tổ quốc nơi cuối con đường (The Homeland).

Top awards for best play, best director, best scriptwriter, best actor and best actress will be presented.    

The festival will also include forums and seminars on the art.  It will run until September 19.-VNA