Classic Vietnamese Opera 'Tiếng trống Mê Linh' Restored and Colorized

A cherished piece of Vietnamese cultural heritage, the cải lương (traditional opera) masterpiece 'Tiếng trống Mê Linh' (The Sound of Mê Linh Drums), has been given a new lease on life. Through meticulous restoration efforts, the classic black-and-white recording, originally made by the Đoàn Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga troupe approximately 50 years ago, has been transformed into a vibrant color version. This initiative, spearheaded by the Đài PT-TH TP.HCM (Ho Chi Minh City Television and Radio Station), aims to present this invaluable work of art in a format that honors its significance and captivates modern audiences.

“

The Sound of Mê Linh Drums is the beginning of a project to restore classic and excellent plays, considered precious heritage of cải lương art.

The restoration project is the inaugural effort in a larger endeavor to preserve and revitalize iconic cải lương performances, considered precious legacies of Vietnamese performing arts. The original black-and-white film had suffered from time-induced fading, diminishing its visual clarity. By painstakingly hand-coloring the footage, technicians have managed to restore the visual fidelity of the approximately 150-minute performance, ensuring that the artistry of legendary performers like Thanh Nga and Thanh Sang can be appreciated with enhanced sharpness and detail.

“

The audience will be able to watch the play in color instead of the black and white version as before.

'Tiếng trống Mê Linh' resonates deeply with the Vietnamese spirit, celebrating the patriotism and resistance against foreign invaders embodied by the Trung sisters, Thi Sách, and the people. The decision to broadcast the restored version on the occasion of the Hùng Kings' Commemoration Day and the upcoming National Reunification Day (April 30th) is a fitting tribute to the nation's history and enduring spirit. Prior to the broadcast, viewers will be treated to a special segment featuring a conversation with artist Hữu Châu and Kim Hương, who portrayed Nàng Tía in the original production, offering a nostalgic journey back to the creation of this historical cải lương gem.

“

The cải lương play Tiếng trống Mê Linh by the Đoàn Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga troupe was recorded by the station about 50 years ago, in black and white. Over time, it has become blurred, so restoring the color version aims to provide audiences with a clearer and sharper viewing experience.