On the 47th anniversary of the death of artist Thanh Nga, Princess Bich Van remembers Miss Quynh Nga.

Today, December 15th, marks the 47th anniversary of the passing of "Queen of the Stage" Thanh Nga, a day that left the public in shock and sorrow. Artist Xuan Lan shared touching reflections on her beloved senior colleague.

Actress Xuan Lan (left, playing Princess Bich Van) and actress Thanh Nga (playing Quynh Nga) in the play "By the Bridge Weaving Silk" - Archival photo.

Actress Xuan Lan played the role of Princess Bich Van, a role that defined her career, in the play "By the Bridge Weaving Silk" alongside actress Thanh Nga.

Remember the verses that playwright Kien Giang wrote beside Thanh Nga's coffin?

Sharing on her personal page, artist Xuan Lan posted many beautiful and gentle images of Thanh Nga, alongside a poem that playwright Kien Giang wrote on the night of November 30, 1978.

The poem is poignant, like a farewell to a talented actress, a beautiful and graceful star of the cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera) world. A wreath replaces the words of farewell / Bidding Thanh Nga farewell as she steps onto the path of flowers / From now on, after the third bell rings / People will still remember Thanh Nga returning .

On the faded piece of paper on which Kien Giang wrote the poem by hand, he wrote below the author's name, Kien Giang, with a clear note: "Written beside Thanh Nga's coffin, night of November 30, 1978".

Excerpt from "By the Silk Weaving Bridge" performed by the late artist Thanh Nga and artist Xuan Lan - Source: FB of the late artist Thanh Nga

The old piece of paper evokes sadness in many fans of the Queen of the Stage, Thanh Nga, reminding them of a talent who passed away prematurely at the peak of her artistic career.

A handwritten poem by composer Kien Giang bidding farewell to artist Thanh Nga.

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online , artist Huu Chau (nephew of artist Thanh Nga) explained that "three bells" here means that before the show begins, three bells are rung, or alternatively, three sticks are struck against the stage floor.

The familiar sound of the three bells, so familiar in the memories of those pursuing a singing career, brought tears to artist Xuan Lan's eyes.

The role of Princess Bich Van is a memorable role in the career of artist Xuan Lan - Photo: Provided by the artist.

She confided, "It breaks my heart to think about the days immediately after Nga passed away. After the third bell rang, signaling the start of a performance, where was she? A heavy sadness enveloped me."

Thanh Nga's gentle and beautiful image will forever remain in the hearts of her colleagues and fans of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera).

Xuan Lan remembers the kindness of Thanh Nga.

It can be said that the play " By the Silk Weaving Bridge" left a deep impression on the public and is one of the best performances of the Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga Cai Luong Troupe.

Many characters in the play have become iconic roles for the artists, such as Thanh Nga as the young lady Quynh Nga, Thanh Sang as Tran Minh, Thanh Tu as Nhuan Dien… And we cannot forget artist Xuan Lan with her role as Princess Bich Van.

This role is a confrontation with Thanh Nga. Despite her father's objections, Lady Quynh Nga quietly cares for and supports Tran Minh's education so that he can pass the imperial examination and become a top scholar.

Upon achieving academic success, Tran Minh caught the attention of Princess Bich Van and the king, who wished to arrange a marriage between him and the princess. However, Tran Minh remained devoted to the silk weaver who had been by his side during his humble beginnings.

So, Bich Van went to Quynh Nga's residence, intending to use her authority to force her submission. However, all of the princess's schemes failed against the loyal, gentle, yet very strong country girl.

The scene where Bich Van confronts Quynh Nga is a scene that audiences will always remember, and many of her lines are memorized. Although actress Xuan Lan later retired from stage acting and switched to business, audiences still call her Princess Bich Van whenever they see her.

Although the play was very intense, in real life, Xuan Lan confided to Tuoi Tre Online that she deeply loved and respected artist Thanh Nga both professionally and personally.

She said that Thanh Nga had wholeheartedly guided younger artists like herself during their time working with the Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga Troupe. If she had a nice lipstick or powder compact, she would bring it onto the stage and give it to the younger artists.

Whenever Xuan Lan faced difficulties, her senior colleagues always listened and encouraged her, helping her gradually overcome the obstacles.

Because of those beautiful memories, even though 47 years have passed since Thanh Nga's death, Xuan Lan still feels pain and sheds tears whenever she remembers her beloved sister.

LINH DOAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/gio-lan-thu-47-cua-nghe-si-thanh-nga-bich-van-cong-chua-nho-tieu-thu-quynh-nga-20251215121900745.htm