The Trajectory of Truyen Kieu (The Tale of Kieu) Adaptations in Vietnamese “cải lương”: From Traditional Adaptions to Experimental Reinterpretation in Doi Kieu

Abstract

Nguyen Du’s “Truyen Kieu” (The Tale of Kieu) is not only a literary masterpiece but also a lasting source of inspiration for various performing arts. Among these, “cải lương” has served as a significant theatrical medium through which the work has been staged and reinterpreted over time. This article examines the trajectory of its adaptations in Vietnamese “cai luong”, from the play “Kim Van Kieu” (1918) - a milestone associated with the early formation of “cải lương” - to major adaptation models of the twentieth century and experimental reinterpretations from the late twentieth to the early twenty-first century. Adopting an adaptation-reception approach, the study focuses on the play “Doi Kieu” as an example of interpretive adaptation, revealing a shift from faithful adaptations toward more contemporary modes of theatrical expression. The findings help clarify how “cải lương” participates in the modernization of literary heritage while also suggesting new possibilities for engaging younger audiences and for further research on adaptation in the context of a transforming traditional theatre.