Surprise with "Dao Lieu" and the return of People's Artist Lan Huong

Bất ngờ với — Screenwriter, writer, Master Nguyen Thu Phuong and People's Artist Lan Huong

Tam Dao ( Phu Tho ) - A quiet but creative comeback of People's Artist Lan Huong moved the theater world at the Creative Camp organized by the Vietnam Stage Artists Association.

Lan Huong - From actress to storyteller

After a long period of silence, People's Artist Lan Huong " Hanoi Baby" - the artist who left a deep impression on stage and screen - has returned with a new role: stage script writer.

At the 2025 Stage Creation Camp in Tam Dao (Phu Tho), she brought the script "Dao Lieu", a work she nurtured, researched and completed from 2021 to 2025, causing a big surprise to the creative community in the North and South.

"Dao Lieu" is considered the result of a process of deep contemplation on human fate, art and dignity in a turbulent historical context. People's Artist Lan Huong shared:

"I spent many years reading, writing and struggling to find my own voice. Through the encouragement of my colleagues, I have more confidence to continue writing the historical-literary scripts that I cherish."

"Peach Blossom" - The human tragedy of an artist's fate

"Dao Lieu" is a human tragedy, reflecting the fate of artists in the historical storm of the late 19th century, when the Can Vuong movement was suppressed, and the singers were considered "vile singers".

Through the character Tram Huong (Dao Lieu) - a talented singer trampled by prejudice and power, the author sends a profound message: "Art is light, but artists often have to burn in the darkness of prejudice, power and war to preserve their dignity and humanity."

Many playwrights, directors and critics present at the writing camp all assessed "Dao Lieu" as a script rich in humanity and with high staging potential.

People's Artist Giang Manh Ha, Vice President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association, commented: "Lan Huong has demonstrated the perseverance and artistic sensitivity of someone who has spent her entire life on the stage. The script 'Dao Lieu' shows that she has the mindset of a writer - daring to look deeply into history to reflect on the present."

Orchid traces of cultural and historical values

The script "Dao Lieu" is written about the late 19th century, recreated realistically, with the breath of the Can Vuong movement, the collision of Vietnamese and French cultures, and the struggle between superstition and enlightenment. She has integrated elements of Mother Goddess religion, singing, and the ritual of spirit mediumship, enriching the work with spiritual culture and Vietnamese identity. Through that, she sends a message about creative freedom and the desire to sing and live true to oneself, which is still relevant today.

According to author Nguyen Thu Phuong, People's Artist Lan Huong's work brings positive signals from a new creative journey. Author Nguyen Toan Thang - People's Artist Lan Huong's close friend in the profession - urged his sister to participate in this writing camp. He said: "People's Artist Lan Huong's return as an author is a testament to the enduring vitality of the Vietnamese stage - where artists are constantly looking for ways to tell stories in new languages. With "Dao Lieu", she has opened a valuable direction: from actress to playwright, from performing to creating, from the current stage back to history to find the source of national cultural energy".

Confiding in the praise received from the leaders of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and the inmates, People's Artist Lan Huong said: "I do not write to regain glory, but to keep the passion for the profession. The stage is my second life, and each script is a journey to find the truth of emotions."

People's Artist Lan Huong in the hearts of colleagues

Author Nguyen Thu Phuong said: "The dialogue language in 'Dao Lieu' has a classical yet modern tone. The power of the play lies in the spirit of self-reflection, when the artist has to face himself and social prejudices."

Author Pham Van Dang expressed: "I admire the way People's Artist Lan Huong combines folk and ritual elements with modern theatrical language. This work can absolutely become a highlight of historical and social theater in the near future."

The psychological depth of the characters written by People's Artist Lan Huong is very profound, including the character Tram Huong (Dao Lieu) who is a complex image: weak but resilient, loving her profession but bound by a "marriage contract" - a symbol of an artist imprisoned within feudal rules.

The character of Ba Ca Nam is an excellent supporting character, both a witness and a bridge between religion and life, superstition and humanity. "I think that when the script is staged, there will be many interesting performances that the director will be free to juggle" - People's Artist Giang Manh Ha.

Positive signals from a new creative journey

The return of People's Artist Lan Huong as an author is a testament to the enduring vitality of the Vietnamese stage – where artists constantly seek to tell stories in new languages.

With "Dao Lieu", she opened a valuable direction: from actress to playwright, from performance to creation, from the current stage back to history to find the source of national cultural energy. She also received sharing and comments from colleagues to complete the script after she left the camp. She pondered her own story for a long time, so that when she told it with enough maturity, she received compliments.

"I don't write to regain my glory, but to keep my passion for the profession alive. The stage is my second life, and each script is a journey to find the truth of my emotions." - People's Artist Lan Huong confided.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/bat-ngo-voi-dao-lieu-va-su-tro-lai-cua-nsnd-lan-huong-196251014092220025.htm