Cải lương

Cải lương originated in Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century and blossomed in the 1930s as a theatre of the middle class during the country's French colonial period.

In a typical cải lương play, the actresses and actors would use a combination of regular spoken dialogue and vọng cổ to express their thoughts and emotions.

The societal genre (cải lương xã hội) consists of stories about modern Vietnamese society.

For example, Bên Cầu Dệt Lụa, Lục Vân Tiên, Tiếng Trống Mê Linh etc.

In addition to regular speech, ca cải lương, and vọng cổ, several melodies are incorporated into the play.