Cai luong gets new HCM City venue A cai luong (reformed opera) show by artists from Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre will be organised twice a month at a hotel in downtown HCM City.  Vietnamese opera: Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre artists perform. The theatre will present shows twice a month at the Oscar Hotel in downtown HCM City. Photo baodongnai.com.vn According to the theatre and Asia Media Company, the two organisers, the concerts on the 11th floor of Oscar Hotel will last two hours. Quoc Kiet, the theatre’s director, said in recent years cai luong concerts have faced difficulties in finding venues and audiences. “It is good for us to have a venue like this. Though the stage in the hotel is not a professional place for cai luong, it is located right in the city centre.” Beside Tran Huu Trang’s artists, other renowned cai luong artists will be invited. Ky Yen of Asia Media, who loves the art form, said the company is spending money on the programme not for profits but in the hope audiences can discern the true value of cai luong. The hall has a capacity of only 200, and if the ticket money is not enough to cover expenses, the company would subsidise them, she added. The first show will be held on June 16 to mark the 100th day of composer Vien Chau’s death. Famous cai luong artists Bach Tuyet, Kieu Phuong Loan, Giang Chau, Kim Tu Long, Phuong Loan, Trong Phuc, Ngoc Doi, Le Hong Tham, and others will perform on that day. After the event scholarships will be awarded to 15 children of poor artists. Tickets cost VND300,000 (US$13) and VND500,000 (US$23).      VNS