The youngest People's Artist of Hai Duong
People's Artist Truong Manh Thang was born in 1973 in Ninh Binh province. He is currently Deputy Head of Art Group I, Hai Duong Cheo Theater.
He is often chosen to play positive roles because of his tall figure, square face, deep voice, and calm, mature acting style. Up to now, he has played nearly 20 positive roles with diverse inner lives and tragic fates. He has successfully portrayed many historical figures such as: Mac Dinh Chi, Nguyen Trai, Great Physician-Zen Master Tue Tinh and especially played the role of Uncle Ho during the anti-French resistance... In 2013, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist. In his artistic career from 1990 to present, he has won 6 gold medals and 2 silver medals at the National Cheo Theatre Festival.
Talking about the above noble title, Mr. Thang said that it is an honor and pride for his whole life of art. He never thought that he would reap "sweet fruit" like today, he only kept in mind that on the path of artistic activities, first of all, he must strive and work with all his might. As he said: "The life of an artist is like a silkworm spinning silk, just drain out its guts to contribute".
After People's Artist Thuy Mo and People's Artist Trinh Thai, Thang is the third artist from Hai Duong to be awarded this title. He became the youngest People's Artist of Hai Duong when he was awarded the noble title at the age of 51. "This is not only an honor for artist Manh Thang personally but also a source of pride for the entire Hai Duong artist community," said People's Artist Thuy Mo, former Deputy Director of Hai Duong Cheo Theater. According to her, the title of People's Artist is completely worthy of Truong Manh Thang's work and artistic contributions.
More than 30 years ago, when recruiting actors for the Hai Hung Cheo Troupe, People's Artist Thuy Mo was a member of the Arts Council. She still remembers his scholarly appearance with bright eyes, beautiful voice and expressive performance ability. "Thang showed his talent for Cheo early on, was very diligent in learning and loved the profession. Throughout his artistic career, Thang has affirmed himself with his talent and efforts," said People's Artist Thuy Mo.
Mr. Thang believes that along with the honor and pride comes a great responsibility: "Having achieved that title, I think I have to try harder to not disappoint the trust and recognition of the State and the audience." Along with that is the responsibility to guide the younger generation, preserve and promote the traditional art of Cheo of our ancestors.
Through many hardships
Coming to the art of Cheo, from a young age, experiencing many difficulties, there was a time when Mr. Thang was confused, not confident in himself and the path he had chosen. With love for the profession and effort, he finally found his identity, being himself when attached to the art of Cheo.
Having a talent for the arts since childhood, he was fortunate to have a biological sister, the late Meritorious Artist Truong Ngoc Bich, an actress of the Hai Hung Cheo Troupe (the predecessor of the current Hai Duong Cheo Theatre). In 1990, he was recruited into the Hai Hung Cheo Troupe by chance.
However, for 3 years, he could not find a real position in the troupe. His roles at that time were only soldiers and extras. “At that time, I did not see a future and did not know if I could stick with this profession,” said Mr. Thang.
Encouraged by his sister and colleagues, he made a decisive decision: "Follow, must follow"! He studied hard, improved himself and learned from previous generations.
After a long period of studying, for the first time he was given a supporting role (a policeman) in the play “The Pain of Mother’s Love”. Although it was just a normal role, he improved very quickly thanks to the guidance of senior artists. In 1996, Hai Hung Cheo Troupe participated in the Coastal Professional Theater Festival in Nam Dinh , his role won a gold medal. This was a meaningful pass marking a new step forward for him.
In 1997, Hai Hung Cheo Troupe staged the play “Con Son Hien Si” to commemorate the 555th anniversary of the death of the great poet and world cultural celebrity Nguyen Trai. The role of Nguyen Trai was initially assigned to artist Ngoc Bao. However, only 10 days after the performance, artist Ngoc Bao became seriously ill. Anh Thang was chosen to replace him. Faced with this great challenge and turning point opportunity, he not only studied the script but also painstakingly researched more documents to better understand Nguyen Trai. From his feelings, he absorbed, pondered, and found the most realistic and suitable acting style. After only 10 days of practice, he successfully performed the role. The play was recorded and broadcast on many channels of Vietnam Television. His role left an impression on the audience and experts.
After that, he was continuously chosen to play difficult roles. Among them, the most difficult role was that of Uncle Ho. To play such a great character is not easy. “In addition to researching their background, career, talent, and personality through books and newspapers, the artist also has to find the unique features of each character,” said Mr. Thang.
According to Mr. Thang, an artist must be concerned, somehow, with pronunciation, enunciation, demeanor, and gestures so that the audience can see, hear, and feel the character. An artist must be the one to bring emotions to the audience…
In the context of many modern forms of entertainment, People's Artist Manh Thang believes that young actors must always maintain the "fire of the profession", work with a spirit of dedication and effort to be able to fulfill the mission of an artist.
TUONG VYSource
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