HCMCity (VNS/VNA) - A web drama series on cailuong (reformed opera), the south’s most popular theatre form,has started to be released on YouTube this week.

The four-episode show, Hoi Su Co Nhan (VietnameseHistory), features historic events and national heroes under the NguyenDynasty during the 17th and 18th centuries. 

It stars young talent Le Nguyen Truong Giang, winner of Sao Noi Ngoi (Young Stars), a TV programmefeaturing young actors in cai luong onVinh Long Television’s THVL1 channel in 2017. 

In the work, actor Giang performs with young artists such as My Anh, Nhu Quynhand Tran Phuong, graduates of the HCM City University of Theatre &Cinematography.

They perform vong co (nostalgictunes) songs and famous extracts from cailuong plays in praise of the country and patriotism. 

“My older colleagues and teachers helped developed my career in a professionalway. I want to try a new form by using YouTube to expand my art amongyoung people,” said Giang, who is also the show’s producer.

“I believe releasing web dramas on YouTube is a good way to save money onproduction and province audiences with cailuong,” he said. 

The actor began filming last month and has spent more than 300 million VND (22,000USD) on production. 

Another actor, Binh Tinh of the private Huynh Long Tuong Troupe,will release a series of web dramas called YouTubeCai Luong Tuong Co this month. 

Tinh and his colleagues, Thai Vinh and Au Thien Phu, perform extracts fromhistorical plays including Mat Troi Dem TheKy (Sun after the Long Night), a new play by veteran femalescriptwriter Bach Mai, owner of Huynh Long Tuong Troupe. 

“Our performances highlight patriotism and loyalty,” said Tinh, winner of theChuong Vang Vong Co (Golden Bell) Awards 2016, a national cai luong contestpresented by Ho Chi Minh Television.

“We have worked hard to make each show a lesson, with images, sounds and music,that provides young audiences with wonderful things about their history,traditional culture and theatre,” the 29-year-old said./.