Cao Van Lau Theatre

Cao Van Lau Theatre is a cultural landmark located at Hung Vuong Square in Bac Lieu City, Ca Mau Province, Vietnam. Built in 2014 and named after musician Cao Van Lau, composer of the Don Ca Tai Tu piece Da Co Hoai Lang, the theatre is notable for its distinctive architecture of three conical hats (non la) facing each other. It serves as a venue for traditional music performances and cultural events and is an iconic symbol of Bac Lieu.

Visitors can expect a large open public square featuring three striking conical-hat-shaped structures that house a theatre and exhibition spaces. The exterior is accessible for sightseeing and photography, especially in the evening when illuminated. Inside, when open for events, visitors can see exhibition areas dedicated to Don Ca Tai Tu music and the history of Da Co Hoai Lang, and attend scheduled cultural performances. The surrounding Hung Vuong Square offers open space, landscaping and views of the city centre.

The theatre was constructed in 2014 and inaugurated to honor musician Cao Van Lau (1892-1976), a native of Bac Lieu and composer of the renowned Don Ca Tai Tu piece Da Co Hoai Lang in 1919. The work is considered the foundation of modern Don Ca Tai Tu and Cai Luong theatre in southern Vietnam.

The theatre is a symbol of Bac Lieu and southern Vietnamese culture, dedicated to Don Ca Tai Tu, a traditional music genre recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It serves as a centre for preserving, performing and promoting Don Ca Tai Tu and Cai Luong, and hosts cultural festivals and events for the local community and visitors.