Artist Kieu Mai Dung - Painter Tran Thien in the room where Cai luong (reformed theater) memento is kept. Photo: VOV

Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, the house is also a place to keep memories of the 40-year artistic life of the couple Kieu My Dung (61 years old) - painter Tran Thien (67 years old).

Artist Kieu My Dung, whose real name is Tran Thi Dung, was born in Ho Chi Minh City and has been with Cai Luong (reformed theater) for more than 40 years. No one in her family followed art, but she was endowed with a sweet voice, suitable for reformed theater. At the age of 14, she was accepted as a student by artist Nam Dong. He is also the one who gave her the stage name Kieu My Dung. She used to participate in reformed theater group in Ho Chi Minh City such as: Young generation, Thai Binh, Truc Giang. In 1978, at the age of 18, she joined the Tay Do group, then the Tay Do Theater, and stayed until 2016 when she retired.

The two artists have kept more than 1,000 photos, scripts, certificates and stage equipments since 1976. Photo: VOV

Artist's husband Kieu My Dung is painter Tran Thien, originally from Chau Doc City, An Giang Province. When he was young, he worked in a local troupe. Seeing that he had a talent for painting, the artists invited him to Hau Giang 1 reformed theater group to paint theatrical scenes. By 2010, he was the head of Tay Do group. In 2012, he worked as Deputy Director of Tay Do Theater until he retired.

A wooden chest containing script, performance costumes, has been with artist Kieu Mai Dung for more than 35 years. Photo: VOV

Together on tour since 1976, each step marks the anniversary of the profession of the artist couple Kieu My Dung - Tran Thien. At that time, they decided to save the image of the performances. The couple hired photographers to take the pictures, then collected them, stored in plastic bags and kept them carefully.

Stage props are carefully stored by artist Kieu Mai Dung, considered a confidant when she retires. Photo: VOV

Painter Tran Thien said: "When I retire from art, I want to have something to remember, so that my friends and children will know about these memento."

Holding many pictures and stage props, it was not until their retirement in 2016 that they saved enough money to build a house, and realize their dream of building their own traditional art room. With only a small room of about 15 square meters, there are nearly 1000 pictures, scripts, certificates, and other stage equipments.

Although retired, artist Kieu Mai Dung still participates in many plays and leaves a deep impression in the hearts of Cai Luong fans. Photo: VOV

In this room, everything is arranged in chronological order. There are pictures and props when the two were new to the profession, performing together with People's Artist Minh Vuong, People's Artist Le Thuy, Meritorious Artist Phuong Loan, Meritorious Artist Thoai My and many famous artists came to Tay Do. There are also pictures of plays painted by artist Tran Thien. For them, this is a legacy that has been preserved for more than 40 years with the reformed theater stage.

Photo: VOV

Not only a corner for the two artists to recall the glory days of the reformed theater stage, this small room is also an attraction for guests or artists visiting. Until now, they still serve as judges for many talent contests; teacher training the generation of young artists to inherit the Can Tho Cai Luong stage.

The photos mark the artistic journey of artist Kieu Mai Dung - painter Tran Thien at Tay Do Theater. Photo: VOV

After a traffic accident in 2004, artist Kieu Mai Dung turned to be a stage director. Photo: VOV

Artist Kieu Mai Dung - Painter Tran Thien, although retired, the flame of passion for reformed theater never goes out. Photo: VOV

Artist Nguyen Thi Kieu Nga, Deputy Director of Tay Do Theater said: "This means a lot, it brings back memories for art-makers, when looking back at those images. Without this room, it would be difficult for future generations to learn about the reformed theater of that time."

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