Since moving from the Artists' Retirement Home to the Thi Nghe Retirement Center, it has become a peaceful retreat for many veteran artists who contributed to Vietnam's revolutionary culture and art. These singers, actors, and actresses, whose voices and roles have left a lasting impression on the public, now elderly and frail, find solace here as a warm and welcoming home for their colleagues.

When mentioning the veteran artists at the Thi Nghe Nursing Home, it's impossible not to talk about their immense contributions to the national arts. They are the generation that laid the foundation for Vietnamese cải lương (traditional opera), spoken drama, music , and film. They used their voices, songs, and stage personas to spread patriotism, preserve national identity, and encourage revolutionary spirit throughout the country's difficult periods.

Artists at the Thi Nghe Nursing Home participated in activities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the successful August Revolution and National Day on September 2nd.

Today, even though they have left the spotlight, many artists still maintain an optimistic and cheerful spirit. Artist Dieu Hien, a once-famous Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) singer, emotionally shared her happiness and joy at receiving performances from benefactors, artist troupes, and young people. Artist Mac Can, who has been involved in countless roles, shared with emotion that he used to live in dilapidated rented rooms, but now has a spacious house to shelter him from the sun and rain, and receives daily healthcare. "In old age, I couldn't ask for anything more," artist Mac Can shared.

Today's young generation of artists still look to them as their "roots," a treasure trove of life experience in the profession. Since the beginning of 2025, many groups of young artists have organized exchange programs, performances, gift-giving, and visits at the Center. During a recent visit, singer Pham Thanh Thao shared: "Throughout the past year, we have regularly come here during holidays and festivals to encourage the elderly artists. Each person has a different situation, but the common point is that they always maintain their love for the stage and art."

Young artists shared that each time they interact with senior artists, they gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the artistic labor of those who came before them, those who dedicated their youth and passion to the national culture. At the same time, they also learn about the dedication, self-sacrifice, and social responsibility of an artist.

Besides the attention from the artistic community, city leaders also consistently care for the spiritual and material well-being of elderly artists. During a recent visit to the Thi Nghe Nursing Home, Mr. Huynh Thanh Nhan, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council, affirmed: "The activity of showing gratitude and appreciation to the generation that contributed to the revolution and the development of the city is an important activity that has always been given attention by leaders at all levels for many years."

The bond between two generations at the Thi Nghe Nursing Home—one side representing the golden memories of the stage, the other the youthful energy and enthusiasm—has blended into an enduring stream of love. From this, the message of "keeping the flame of the profession alive, extending the thread of love" spreads not only among artists but also to the wider community, becoming a beautiful cultural aspect of this compassionate city.

Text and photos: HA THU

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/giu-lua-nghe-noi-dai-mach-yeu-thuong-853166