Comedian Hong To said that many Tet holidays have passed and he has limited his acceptance of comedy shows.

- Comedian Hong To, how will your life change in 2024 compared to before?

Comedian Hong To: For nearly 2 years now, in my daily life as well as my artistic activities, I have not been noisy and lively. I have limitedly accepted shows, especially performances and filming. The reason is that I am not young anymore, so when taking on a role in a movie script or a stage script, it depends on the character, whether it is suitable for my age or not. Partly, the shows are also limited by economic impacts. Regarding the salary, if I accept a high salary, it is a pity for those who remember and invite me; if I accept a low salary, it is a disadvantage for me, because I do not have enough money to travel and pay my co-star. At this time, all comedy stages are less active, except for drama stages. Comedians have few venues to perform, if they do perform, it is only at commercial stages, bingo, parties, weddings, engagements, birthdays...

- Currently, male comedians of your generation limit their shows to enjoy life and business, what about you?

Comedian Hong To: I run a business at home but I give my wife a coffee shop to cover daily living expenses, children's education... In addition, I open a tea room, every Friday night I organize singing exchanges, to gather fellow artists to come together, sing, enjoy, and remember the times when I worked in the golden age of the stage.

- Has your criteria for accepting shows changed compared to before?

Comedian Hong To: In the past, I could perform a show for 15-20 million VND, which is equivalent to 4 or 5 taels of gold. Nowadays, I cannot accept a show for that price. The economy in general and the need for entertainment in particular have changed. The economic life of the audience must be comfortable and abundant for the show organizer to organize and invite us to have fun and share through comedy performances. But now the economy is difficult, so more or less all artists are affected. When we accept shows, we have to calculate the show fee to suit reality.

- In the past, every Tet, audiences waited for comedy videos of comedians like you, some far away provinces also looked forward to comedians coming to perform. Do you feel sad when comedy is quiet at this time?

Comedian Hong To: In the golden age of comedy, during Tet, artists would film continuously like a machine, then perform at year-end parties for companies, conference centers, and large and small stages that were bustling during Tet. The bustling atmosphere made the artists' spirits excited, making them feel love for art and creativity. The peak period has passed and now, as you know, due to the influence of YouTube and TikTok, which are popular with short, concise comedies, 15-20 minute comedy skits are no longer suitable. Investing in performing a comedy skit that brings laughter to the audience requires many factors and is very hard. Performing not many shows, the creativity and passion of the comedian gradually disappears.

- Do you have any memorable memories when performing during Tet in distant provinces?

Comedian Hong To: If talking about the Tet holidays, I have many memories. I performed in 5-6 provinces and cities in one day, from morning to afternoon, only having time to eat a quick meal to regain strength. There was a day I ran from Binh Long to Saigon, then to Tan Hiep, My Tho, Cai Lay, Vinh Long, then to Cho Lach, Ben Tre . A day like that with so much joy. Every time I remember, I feel very sad because as I get older, the art stage is no longer the same as before. Because following the new trend, the new era, culture and art have changed. To keep up with the current artists, I felt lost. There were also many invitations to join with young artists, but I could not integrate.

I also feel very sad every spring, my colleagues are getting older, each with different lives and circumstances, they love each other but can’t help each other much. Most artists are in difficult situations. Each person helps a little but it doesn’t make a difference. I feel lucky and happy because I have a family and a relatively stable life.

Comedian Hong To with his wife and daughter.

Comedian Hong To with his wife and daughter.

- What are your plans for this Tet holiday?

Comedian Hong To: I have no plans this year. As for my married life, Hong To currently feels fulfilled and would like to thank God, my ancestors, my grandparents and parents for giving me what I have today. In my future, my wife is my heart, my children are the heartbeat of my heart, my daughter Kim Cuong is my breath. I don't think about having more children because I'm getting old now, I don't have the ability, I don't have the health to take care of and educate them. I save all my love for Kim Cuong.

- Thank you comedian Hong To!

Performed by Lam Khanh

Source: https://baocamau.vn/danh-hai-hong-to-nho-thoi-hoang-kim-tau-hai-tet-a36775.html