Today’s Enlightening
Entertainment
will be presented in
Aulacese (Vietnamese),
with subtitles in Arabic,
Chinese, English,
French, German,
Hungarian, Indonesian,
Japanese, Korean,
Malay, Persian,
Portuguese, Russian,
Spanish, and Thai.
In Aulacese
(Vietnamese) culture,
cải lương
(modern folk opera)
is a popular theater art
that dates back about
three centuries, when
the flourishing South
was a new land.
Among those who
settled in the South at
that time were musicians
from the royal palace in
the ancient capital Huế.
Since then, the kind
of ceremonial music
often heard in the palace
became more
widely known
among the populace.
Eventually, new songs
were composed.
Many amateur
musical groups were
formed, adopting music
and song as a form
of elegant entertainment.
From about 1912
to 1915,
the artists of these
musical groups began
to combine
gestures to their songs.
Since then,
a new genre called
ca ra bộ was born.
Performers conversed;
sometimes a song would
be used as dialogue.
Ca ra bộ continued
to develop to create the
theatrical art that is now
called modern folk opera.
The orchestra
for Aulacese modern folk
opera usually consists of
the six-string guitar,
the moon lute,
the pear-shaped lute,
two-string fiddle,
sixteen-string zither,
and monochord zither.
The themes of Aulacese
modern folk opera
highlight humanitarian
and moral values.
The dialogues
are profound,
the song lyrics and tunes
are rhythmic and rich
in melody.
These are some
of the reasons cải lương
(modern folk opera)
has an enduring place
in the hearts
of the Aulacese people.
In the lunar New Year
2007, during an
outdoor gathering with
our Association members
in Formosa (Taiwan),
Supreme Master Ching Hai
was moved
to spontaneously
sing a folk opera song
“Spiritual Practice
is a Source of Blessing”
written by
Mr. Viễn Châu,
which she knew by heart
since her youth.
We now invite you
to listen to an excerpt of this
folk opera song through
the voice
of Supreme Master
Ching Hai.
Kneeling down, she sobs
in the main hall
of worship
As the temple bell sounds
the hour of prayer
O young devotee, why
do you wish to be a nun?
Finding comfort
in the scriptures,
and acquainting yourself
with spiritual practice?
But how can you
achieve enlightenment
when earthly traces
are still evident on your
seasoned countenance?
Are you
rid of worldly debt
or are still entangled?
Did you
renounce the world
because glory and fame
have lost their appeal and
life seems like an abyss?
Or was it because of
a fleeting moment
of jealousy and distress
that you intend
to hide yourself
behind the temple’s gate
to bury your grief
and forget your sorrow?
On Enlightening
Entertainment,
Supreme Master
Television is pleased
to introduce different
forms of arts
from Âu Lạc,
as well as from other
countries in the world,
in order to share
the beauty and cultures
of the peoples
on our planet.
The modern folk opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube”
is based on an Aulacese
folk tale about
the tender affinity
between a prince and
a country young woman.
This opera is a reminder
that marriage and status
in this world are in
accordance to God’s will
and that only kindness
and mercy can change
people’s hearts,
resolve calamities,
and bring happiness and
peace for the multitude.
We now invite you
to enjoy part 2 of
the modern folk opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube”
by playwright Bạch Mai,
with performances by
Thanh Thanh Tâm as
Little Thumbelina,
Vũ Linh as the Third Prince,
Thoại Mỹ as
Princess Ngọc Lan,
Minh Tiến as
the First Prince,
Vân Hà as
First Princess Consort,
Chí Linh as
the Second Prince,
Hồng Nhung as
Second Princess Consort,
Đức Lợi as King,
Bạch Mai as Queen,
Hồng Tơ as Eunuch 1,
Bạch Long as Eunuch 2,
Bạch Lan as Fairy,
Hữu Huê as General Tạ,
Ngọc Lan Hương as
Divine Mother,
Châu Thanh Hoàng as
Heavenly Senior Lord,
Hoài Linh as Minister,
Đức Vinh as
General Commander,
Huyền Nga and Hoa Mỹ
as Princesses,
Hiếu Cảnh and Thái Sơn
as Sở’s Generals,
and other artists.
The modern folk opera
“A Thumbelina
in the Bamboo Tube”
was recorded
many years ago; hence
the audio-visual quality
is not as perfect
as the original.
Please accept
our sincere apologies.
In part 1, Kim Đồng and
Ngọc Nữ transgressed
against heavenly laws;
thus the Divine Mother
exiled them to Earth.
Fairy Ngọc Nữ
was born into a poor
farming family,
with a diminutive stature
and deformed appearance.
Kim Đồng reincarnated
as the Third Prince
of the Minh nation.
When the King held
an assembly to select
a wife for his son,
the Third Prince was not
pleased with anyone
and in turn enraged
Princess Ngọc Lan of Sở.
The King decreed
that within one year
the Third Prince
must find a spouse,
who would be promised
the title of First-rank
Princess Consort.
The First Prince
and Second Prince,
together with their wives,
plotted to help the Princess
marry the Third Prince;
in exchange,
they hoped to gain
half of the Sở’s territory.
As for the Third Prince,
in a dream he met
a beautiful young woman
by the name of
Little Thumbelina.
Upon waking,
he decided to find
the beloved in his dream.
On the long journey,
he stopped
to have some watermelon
to quench his thirst.
When the Prince
wanted to reimburse
the owner of the garden,
he looked around
but couldn’t see anyone.
He could only hear
instead the clear voice
of a young woman.
We thank you
for watching today’s
Enlightening Entertainment.
Please stay tuned
to Supreme Master
Television.
Coming up is
Words of Wisdom.
We wish you and
your family peace
and happiness in the
immense love of Heaven.
Farewell for now, and
we’ll see you next week.
O sirs, have pity on me
a pauper!
You should pay
for your melon.
Don’t just eat and leave.
I’ve waited months
before I can enjoy the
fruit of my hard labor.
How can you
be so heartless?
Please pay me
for the melon.
Whose voice is that?
Eunuchs! Come here.
Who’s lamenting?
Strange!
The sun is about to set;
suddenly
comes the wailing.
Maybe it’s a demon
about to have us
for a meal.
This wild forest
is frightening!
Let’s hurry back
to the court.
I’m neither a ghost
nor demon.
I’m just the melon
garden’s owner.
Don’t be scared, sirs!
My guess wasn’t wrong,
then!
That was the voice
of the melon grower.
How unusually clear it is!
My heart is stirred.
Eunuchs! Quickly invite
the grower here. (Yes.)
Who is the melon
garden’s owner?
Please step out here
for His Highness
to repay you.
I’m here!
“I’m here!”
How come we hear
the voice but see no one?
Just the voice,
but there’s no one!
So?
I have a feeling that
this forest has ghosts.
Nonsense!
There’s no ghost.
Calm down!
Stay calm like me. See?
See how calm I am?
You’re calm, but
why are you shaking?
Who says I’m shaking?
That’s just natural.
I’m so scared.
I suspect this forest
has a melon ghost.
I’m in front of you two.
You’re in front,
but how come
I can’t see you?
Come closer,
you’ll see me right away.
Come close,
and we’d see you?
You go ahead!
No, no! Come with me.
Don’t leave me here
alone. I’m very scared.
Well then, follow... me...
Why are you
such a coward?
I’m not a coward.
I’m just not very brave.
Greetings, Eunuchs!
Brother! Brother!
What?
Where is she? How come
I don’t see anything?
Ma’am, where are you?
Please let us see you.
Don’t scare us;
we’re terrified!
Look closely
on the bamboo tube.
Brother!
It’s not a melon ghost.
Maybe
it’s a bamboo ghost.
Don’t look carelessly.
Ma’am, where you are?
Show up, please!
Here!
A demon!
What? Let me see.
How horrible!
I’m fainting...
Fainting...
Eunuchs!
What is going on?
Eunuchs!
What is up with you?
When they saw me,
they got scared suddenly.
Who are you?
Where are you?
I’m the melon
garden’s owner.
I’m here!
What? How terrifying!
A freak in the forest!
How frightening!
Yes, I’m a freak
and I’m ugly.
That’s why I keep myself
in the forest,
befriend trees and plants,
rest in the green
bamboo tube at night,
labor to grow melons
during the day,
and live alone;
such is my ill fate.
You’re a prince
dwelling in the palace.
I wouldn’t dream of
the regal one.
Don’t be quick to scorn
this humble person.
Ugly and poor,
I’m afraid of ridicule,
so I don’t dare show up
and make a fool
of myself.
Since you didn’t pay
for your melon,
I had to step out
and had frightened you.
Hearing
your gentle words,
I feel sympathy for you.
Let me hear your story
of adversities.
Where is your father,
letting you suffer like this?
O dear, tell me quickly.
After giving birth to me
and seeing her child
so tiny,
my mom was traumatized
and passed away.
How about your father?
Grieving for his fate,
my dad severed
his family bond.
He left me alone
with the melon garden
and entered a temple
as a monk.
Such an unfortunate
young woman,
separated from
her parents because of
her unpleasant looks!
My heart is filled
with fondness as if
I became enamored
with you since long ago
in my dream.
We formed a bond
of deep affection.
I vowed to be with you
in lasting love.
Listening
to Your Highness,
I feel even sadder.
Ill-fated, I’d never dream
of life in the palace.
Don’t bestow
such great grace
and bury your life
unnecessarily.
You shouldn’t
marry a poor person;
instead,
choose a noble lady.
Heaven has already tied
the marital thread.
Rest assured,
I’ll bring you back to
share a life of wealth.
I vow to never make you
suffer separation.
Trusting you, I’ll
follow you to the palace.
Eunuchs!
Have you come
to consciousness?
Yes, we have for a while;
so we know
the entire incredible tale.
Your Highness,
you deemed
the princesses unworthy.
“The picky ends up
picking the worst!”
Don’t talk nonsense.
Hasten back to the palace.
Remember to keep it
confidential.
Don’t reveal this to anyone.
Understand? (Yes.)
O Little Thumbelina!
(Yes.)
You’re so tiny,
how can you
catch up with us?
O Third Prince,
let me stay
in your sleeve then.
In that case,
we will remind
Your Highness often.
What is it?
If you accidentally
lower you arm,
she’d be flattened.
Watch your words!
You’d lose your life,
speaking carelessly.
Follow me quickly,
little one.
Here, go into my sleeve.
Call out loud
if you feel suffocated,
and I’ll fan you.
Yes, Your Highness.
There, very good!
Eunuchs!
Cross the mountain
to rush back to the court.
Greetings, Princess.
What’s the matter?
You look panicked.
Your Highness,
I’ve received a secret report.
The Third Prince
has found a wife.
Woe is my fate!
But this is
a very unusual marriage.
His wife is homely
and only finger-sized.
How annoying!
She must be a demon
in disguise, not a human.
Where did you hear
this nonsense?
How can one marry
a finger-sized person?
Could your brother
be so ill-fated?
He favors a demon
over beauties.
Who told you this?
We must verify.
Could it be that
our nation is declining,
so a fiend has entered
the palace to destroy
Minh’s dynasty?
I spoke the truth.
The Third Prince
has reported
to our Royal Father.
Though the bride
is tiny and poor,
our father agreed
to confer her First-rank
Princess Consort.
Why did His Majesty
hasten to confer?
I feel pity
for the Princess Consorts.
You’ve fulfilled your duties
but overnight
lost to a country girl.
What a disgrace!
I’m not to defer
to a lowly jungle girl.
To be First-rank
Princess Consort,
she must have both
virtue and beauty.
You’re right!
Let’s hurry to
the Longevity Palace
to report to our royal parents,
and object
to the conferring.
Ask for a contest
before the court.
Whoever wins will be
First-rank Princess Consort.
You’re right!
I’ll ask Royal Father
for a skills contest.
Whoever cooks best
will be the winner.
If she’s incompetent,
she must quickly leave
and dream not of being
First-rank Princess
Consort.
Good idea!
I’ll help you perfect
your domestic skills.
I’ll forever be indebted
to your kindness.
I’m so upset
that the Third Prince
didn’t think wisely.
We won’t give up
and still wait for the day
of your union.
Farewell, Princess.
We’ll clarify with
our Royal Father.
I believe we will win.
That puny girl
will lose for sure.
I’ve been hoping
that my dream will
soon be realized.
May we all hear
good news.
Thank you, Your Highness.
We’ll take leave.
What makes you so
gloomy, Your Highness?
How was your meeting
with Royal Father
and Mother?
Could it be they didn’t
allow our marriage,
so you’re despondent?
It’s not that.
My parents not only
agreed with our marriage,
but also conferred you
as First-rank Princess
Consort.
Oh, my! Thank you,
God and Buddha!
Don’t be happy too soon.
Royal brothers and
sisters-in-law strongly
opposed a country girl
in the palace.
They even requested
a skills contest.
Royal Father and Mother
already granted.
I was numb with heartache.
Little One, you can’t
even hold a pot,
how can you cook?
O God! Woe to me!
It saddens me
that people are so mean.
I’ve suffered many years.
Small and homely,
I can’t fulfill my duty.
My unfortunate love life
in the palace!
O Princess Consort,
we must accept
our luckless fate.
My love for you
will never fade.
Maybe you should
let me go back,
burying my dreadful
looks in a humble place.
O Little One,
hearing your plight,
I wonder why Heaven
creates such bitterness.
As we share our feelings
on this moonlit night,
my heart is filled
with true love.
Is our affinity
predestined in Heaven?
I imagine we were fairies
burdened with bad karma
due to our grave sin.
Then endure adversity
to pay off
our karmic debts.
Don’t be sad, my love.
Take good care
of your precious self.
If our task
can’t be accomplished,
I’ll die with you
to fulfill my vow.
Our spirits will be
together as in our dream.
Beloved, I’m moved
by your affection.
I promise my love
won’t ever fade.
I’ll keep this in my heart.
But I still
worry somehow.
Love, what are you
worried about?
Even threatened
by death, I’m determined
not to leave you.
Hearing your promise,
I’ll be with you
despite all bitterness.
The moon
shines dreamily;
follow me to rest,
beloved Little One.
Have a good sleep,
my love.
I need quiet time
to find a solution.
Goodness!
What solution
can there be?
You’d get burnt as soon
as you go to the kitchen.
Why talk of a solution
when you can’t cook?
Stop it.
You keep making fun
of me! I won’t take it.
All right, I’m sorry.
Come here.
Step on my palm for me
to take a look at you,
then I will retire.
How’s that?
Yes sure.
You’re so loveable.
Be careful out here.
Don’t go out of this room.
Woe to you
if people don’t see and
step on you, all right?
Yes.
Have pity on me;
I’m anguished
day and night.
Wealth and position
make people cruel.
Help me prepare food
for the cooking contest.
Have pity on my
wretched life due to
a mistake in Heaven.
Otherwise,
I’d be ill-fated for
thousands of years.
Help me out of this
karmic obstruction.
Your plea is heard.
Heaven can’t remain
in peace, when Earth
is in great turbulence.
I’ll help you fulfill
your wish
and escape suffering.
Look, here’s the jewel
for a celestial breakfast.
Crack it open,
and a miracle food tray
will appear to save you.
Pray if you need anything;
I’m here to help.
O Prince!
What’s the matter,
Thumbelina?
Come with me
to plead guilty
to our royal parents.
We won’t be charged
with offense,
but will have a tray of food.
In misery,
I prayed to the heavens.
Out of pity,
a fairy granted me
a miracle gem
to avoid trouble.
Really?
Here is the shining gem.
When you’re
in the royal court,
pray to the heavens,
and crack open the gem.
A meal will
instantly appear
to present to our parents.
My prayer is answered,
our problem solved.
I’m moved
with tears of joy.
How I feel for
your unfortunate fate!
Loving your husband,
you share the hardship.
Although people
are cruel and heartless,
we still keep
the righteous way.
Please report
to the royal court.
Farewell, Tiny Beauty.
I’ll leave right away.
Today is the contest for
the ladies’ four virtues.
Are you ready, children?
Yes,
Royal Father and Mother.
And Third Prince,
why are you
looking cheerless?
Royal Mother,
I’ve also prepared.
Let my brothers and
sisters-in-law go first.
As your eldest son,
may I present to
Royal Father and Mother
the food tray?
Bring it here now.
My Queen,
enjoy it with me.
What do you think?
Your Majesty, too salty!
Dear, how come
our parents shake
their heads and frown?
I cooked
very delicious food.
How strange!
Princess Consort,
your domestic skill
is like this?
I didn’t expect
your domestic skill
to be so bad.
You two
may try the food.
If I may, Mother.
How come it’s so salty!
O God, who harmed me?
Royal Father and Mother,
it’s our turn.
You may proceed.
Princess Consort! (Yes.)
Royal Father and Mother
are laughing!
I know,
my food is very good.
My Queen, tell them
the judgment for me.
O children,
I don’t know what to say.
It’s too sweet;
we can’t eat it.
Princess Consort! (Yes.)
Goodness, this isn’t
a dessert contest.
My domestic skills
are perfect.
Someone
must have ruined it!
And Third Prince,
your turn now.
Yes, I’ll bring my meal
in to present to
Royal Father and Mother.
May I present to
Royal Father and Mother?
All right.
Your Majesty,
it’s so delicious.
Very good, indeed!
First Prince,
Second Prince,
and Princess Consorts.
(Yes.)
This is from the Third
Princess Consort.
You may try it,
and later hear my judgment.
Yes, Royal Father.
So delicious!
It’s very clear now.
A country girl, yet
perfect in a lady’s skills.
I confer her as First-rank
Princess Consort.
Please hold on
to the conferment.
Allow me to speak.
All domestic skills
should be included.
The next skill is sewing
the King’s robe.
And a red brocade dress
made to fit Royal Mother,
worthy of a Queen,
then I won’t complain.
Please consider our request.
For the sake of fairness.
O royal brothers,
my wife is not
concerned about
the First-rank status.
Please forget it and
don’t compare titles.
Royal Father and Mother,
please love me.
Don’t accept their request
and dismiss the contest.
It’s painful to see siblings
destroy each other.
Let the First-rank
Princess Consort title
go to my sisters-in-law.
I’ve suffered so much.
Have compassion
and reconsider.
Sewing robes for
Royal Father and Mother!
She can’t even
hold the scissors,
let alone sewing!
Let it go,
brothers and sisters.
I’d be grateful to you.
How can my wife,
a country girl,
be your match?
Third Prince, my son!
I understand very well
that you’re kind-hearted.
This virtue illumines
the entire royal family.
But as your parents,
we must be
generous and fair.
You need to understand
the situation
and its implication.
As for your wife,
though a country girl,
she’s decent and gentle.
If righteous and determined,
she’ll succeed.
O children!
The contest is for unity
in the royal family,
not a match among
adversaries to let
your hearts turn wicked.
We shall oblige,
Royal Mother.
I hereby announce:
I shall wait three days
for your submission
of the royal robes.
I’ll judge with fairness
and announce
the First-rank
Princess Consort.
Yes, Royal Father.
Princes and Princess
Consorts, what do you
invite me here for?
We lost completely
at the court.
My delicious meal
turned strange
at the last moment.
Your Highness
helped me with
my culinary skills,
but somehow I lost
to that lowly woman.
How infuriating!
Strange! I think someone
was assisting
the Third Prince;
how else could I lose
to a commoner?
I was discontented,
so I requested
His Majesty
for a robe sewing contest.
Now, it must be made
to fit beautifully
without measurements.
If I fail the second time,
it’d be an unbearable
disgrace.
Your Highness, do you
have any way to help us?
We need to unite forces
to fulfill your wish.
There’s only one way left.
I must return to Sở
and train our army
with General Tạ,
then charge here on
horseback to declare war,
asking the Third Prince
for an explanation.
But that means
fighting and uproar.
What will become
of us then?
Don’t you worry!
Just follow my plan.
I heard that
Little Thumbelina
is very tiny.
If you fail in this
sewing competition,
ask for a beauty contest.
As for the First Prince
and Second Prince,
report to the King about
Sở’s war declaration.
So, we attack
from both sides.
First, a beauty contest:
Third Prince’s wife will fail.
Second, while Sở’s army
lays siege,
you two princes submit
to the King to have
the Third Prince sent
to war because he’s
favored a country girl
over the noble ladies.
The Third Prince and I
will then face each other
in the battlefield.
He’s a filial son,
an upright and loyal man.
To save his people
from affliction, he will
leave the country girl
to marry Sở’s
Princess Ngọc Lan.
Very good!
Excellent strategy!
May your love wish
be realized.
When the nuptial knot
is tied, half of Sở
will be yours.
Such a rare faithful love!
Third Prince has made
a wrong decision.
I’m sure this time,
that lowly country girl
will suffer.
To pay for her
far-reaching ambition.
She’ll know the pain
of a hard fall!
How can
an elegant Princess,
whose beauty and talent
are second to none,
ever meet with failure?
Let’s bid farewell for now.
We’ll meet again.
I’ll go back to wage war.
For marital harmony,
gold and brass can’t mix.
As written
in our agreement:
I’ll give half of Sở if this
humble plot succeeds.
We’ll give you
the Third Prince.
And that country girl
will cry bitter tears.
Don’t harm me!
I’m very scared!
Little One!
What makes you sob
and be frightened?
Why are you terrified
during a restful sleep?
O beloved!
In my dream,
Second Prince and
Princess Consort plotted
a wicked scheme.
How so?
They aimed to harm
my life in the palace.
O love!
Please tell me
what that omen is?
Our siblings don’t love us
but further
complicate matters.
A King’s robe and
Queen’s red brocade
dress are to be made
without measurements.
My heart is a woeful knot,
yet I don’t want
to disclose.
Who has heartlessly
sown mishaps on me,
making us shed tears?
Glory and luxury,
I don’t need,
much less social status.
Little One, what can we say?
It’s our fate.
A King’s robe must be
sewn right away, or else
we’ll be in trouble.
My heart is a tangled thread.
Who can save us
from calamity?
Due to a bad karma
created in Heaven,
you must suffer
to atone for your sin.
But a kind and
faithful heart bespeaks
your repentance.
I’ll help you
unravel your grief.
I’m grateful to Heaven
for answering my prayer.
O Third Prince,
the miracle gem that
turned into a tray of food
is a gift from the fairy
who pities on us.
I prostrate to thank you,
Fairy.
I beg you to help us
stay together in marriage.
You’ll overcome
adversities due to
your sincere hearts.
Everlasting happiness
and glory will be yours.
The wish-fulfilling gem
will transform
into the King’s robe
and Queen’s dress.
Keep the gold hairpin
with you, and use it
to bring peace to
your country and people.
The nectar water
will change your looks
to that of a fairy.
I’m grateful to you,
Fairy!
Remember:
the wish-fulfilling gem
when cracked open will
give you the royal mantles.
The gold hairpin will turn
into a heavenly lute.
This is the bottle
of nectar water.
Use it for the beauty contest.
Let me remind you: use
love to dissolve enmity.
If you hold grudges,
you’ll beget mishaps
all your life.
I’ll help you succeed
in everything. Farewell!
We’re very grateful, Fairy.
O Little One!
My Prince!
We’re fortunate to have
the Fairy’s help.
Sweetheart, we’ll grieve
no longer from now on.
Good hearts make
dreams come true.
Now, go to the court and
present the royal mantle.
Little One,
I’m leaving now. (Yes.)
The First Prince
and Princess Consort
to present the robes!
First Prince and
Princess Consort failed!
Their robes did not fit
His Majesty and the Queen.
What kind of robes
are you making,
for God’s sake?
How come
there’s no back flap?
It was there before!
When I finished, you saw it.
You even praised
that it was perfect.
Second Prince
and Princess Consort
to present the robes!
Did you check carefully?
I’m very sure.
Your robes
have no sleeves.
His Majesty and the Queen
can’t wear them.
O Second Prince!
I don’t understand, really.
How come?
The sleeves were there;
I saw them.
Very strange!
Third Prince
to present the robes!
Order obeyed.