According to Doodles Archive, reformed theater (known as cải lương in Vietnamese) is style of modern South Vietnamese folk opera. A blend of traditional and contemporary influences, reformed theater combines opera with spoken drama to create a vibrant expression of Vietnamese culture and identity.

A form evolved from the traditional Vietnamese opera called hát bội in the Mekong Delta of southern Vietnam at the turn of the 20th century. Accompanied by an orchestra containing traditional Vietnamese instruments like six-string zither, reformed theater brings to life a wide range of stories, from ancient legends of monarchs and warriors to explorations of modern Vietnamese social themes.

One of the most iconic reformed theater productions is “Tiếng Trống Mê Linh,” which translates roughly to “The Drum Sound of Mê Linh.” The historical play tells the true story of Trưng Trắc and Trưng Nhị, two sisters who helped lead the fight for Vietnamese independence from the Chinese Han Dynasty in the 1st century. A classic of the art form, “Tiếng Trống Mê Linh” has been staged by many of Vietnam’s top cải lương performers since it first debuted in 1977.

Over a century after its birth, reformed theater is still enjoyed today as one of the uniquely Vietnamese artforms and a vital link to the country’s history.