Lam Cuong, who played Chi Pheo, captivated audiences in "Night at the Fire Furnace."

Artist Lam Cuong (right in the photo) in the classic play "Thunderstorm" by writer Cao Yu, staged at the Le Ngoc Stage.

Reporter: Considering yourself quite fortunate to have pursued an acting career, are you currently satisfied with the artistic path you have chosen?

-Artist Lam Cuong : To say I'm completely satisfied with myself is probably impossible, because I'm a progressive, perfectionist, and very demanding person. I'm fortunate to have the love, respect, and favor of the audience, colleagues, seniors in the profession, and friends who have always helped, trusted, and created opportunities for me to work and grow more and more.

You've been in TV shows, historical dramas, sitcoms... Which role did you enjoy the most?

- Every role I play has a different fate, and I love the roles I'm given. I always try my best, whether it's a leading or supporting role; I always try to research and explore so that the audience can feel it in the best way possible. I like every role; they're all the best in my heart.

Having performed in Ho Chi Minh City and been warmly welcomed by the audience for your portrayal of Chí Phèo on the Lệ Ngọc stage, what are your feelings about the affection the Ho Chi Minh City public has shown you?

- Fortunately, I've had the opportunity to perform with Le Ngoc Stage in Ho Chi Minh City many times, at various theaters, sometimes 3 to 4 tours a year. Each tour lasted 15-20 days, with 2 or 3 shows per day, totaling 15 to 25 performances per tour.

Each tour consists of 3 to 4 plays and is always warmly welcomed and loved by the audience in Ho Chi Minh City. The role of Chi Pheo earned me a Silver Medal at the 2021 National Theatre Festival. I am grateful for the affection of the public in Ho Chi Minh City for me and for all the artists of Le Ngoc Theatre.

Artist Lam Cuong performs at the Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site.

Although he didn't come from a family with an artistic tradition, Lam Cuong was immersed in the melodies of Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) from a young age in his hometown of Thai Binh. His family includes a famous Cheo artist – Meritorious Artist Xuan Lai, Deputy Director of the Thai Binh Cheo Theater. As a child, did he ever think about becoming a Cheo actor?

- When I was little, I loved watching the Thai Binh Cheo Theater perform. I also practiced singing along with the actors and actresses whenever I attended village festivals. I like Cheo, Cai Luong, Tuong, and other traditional art forms. I think that artists who survive in traditional art must be very skilled and capable to stay in the profession. They have to learn singing, dancing, choreography, martial arts... they have to be very versatile.

Artist Lam Cuong in the role of Chi Pheo

Upon graduation, Lam Cuong was chosen to play two leading roles in two graduation plays: "Searching for What Is Not Lost" and "The Man Who Came from Heaven." What memories do you have of these two roles?

- That day, we rehearsed two plays, one directed by Meritorious Artist Quoc Toan - the late Director of the Hanoi Drama Theatre, and the other by Ms. Nguyen Hong Nhung - Lecturer at the Hanoi College of Arts. I had to dedicate all my time to rehearsals because both teachers were very passionate about their profession and their students. They always taught, guided, and refined each play, so that we could hone our skills and perform to the best of our abilities.

To date, I have performed in several plays such as: "Aspiration," "Sunshine in the Storm," "The Ninth Oath," "The 72nd Letter," "Cricket," "The Fiery Lotus," "Friendship and Justice," "King Lear," "Thunderstorm," etc. Each role I played was directed by the director, with characters having different fates, dramatic situations, and comedic elements to bring the best possible emotional impact to the audience.

Artist Lam Cuong and People's Artist Le Ngoc in a classic play.

What are Lam Cuong's thoughts on participating in shows at the Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site? What are your expectations regarding the effectiveness of bringing historical material to tourists, including a large number of young audiences, through this special performance venue?

- I am very honored and proud to participate in the Night Tour show at the Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site. I feel it is a great privilege to work here, and I have learned so much from it.

I hope I have contributed a small part in helping the younger generation better understand history, the struggles, the losses, and the sacrifices of countless generations of our ancestors who gave up their youth, blood, and lives so that we could have the peaceful, independent, and free life we ​​have today.

What are Lam Cuong's current new projects?

- The Hoa Lo Prison Historical Site is currently implementing a project to stage a daily reenactment tour. I have been entrusted by the Board of Directors with the task of staging and performing the show. The program will also be performed regularly on several fixed mornings throughout the week. I will do my best to fulfill the assigned task.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/chi-pheo-lam-cuong-cuon-hut-khan-gia-o-dem-hoa-lo-196240604153839684.htm