The transformation from traditional theatre troupes to commercial entertainment industries in Saigon

In the evolutionary trajectory of Vietnam’s national theatre, the 1955–1975 period in Saigon marked a profound transformation of Cảilương art in both organizational structure and performance practice. By employing historical methodology in conjunction with textual analysis of scripts and the retrospective examination of theatrical press archives, this article identifies the core transformations of this genre within the Southern urban space. The research focuses on three pivotal themes: (1) The professionalization of management models within the "great troupes" (đại bang); (2) The trend of modernizing script structures through social-psychological and "swordplay" (kiếmhiệp) themes; and (3) The reciprocal impact of recording technology and mass media on the popularization of the genre and the construction of artists' brand identity. The findings affirm that Cảilương in Saigon during this era serves as a quintessential example of the synthesis between identity preservation and the acculturation of modern elements. Consequently, the study elucidates a vibrant urban theatrical entity capable of flexible adaptation to the multidimensional shifts of the era.