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For the first time, the image of Vietnam's first emperor was brought to the stage of traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo), with the play "Nam Viet Emperor - Ten Thousand Springs" winning the Outstanding Award for historical themes from the Vietnam Association of Stage Artists. Meritorious Artist Van Tinh, playing Ly Bon, and young artist Duong Lan, playing Do Huong, successfully portrayed the main roles, jointly winning individual Gold Medals at the 2025 National Cheo Festival. On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, our reporter had a conversation with the two artists to hear their stories about their journey into the profession, their beliefs, and their concerns about the cheo stage.

Meritorious Artist Văn Tình (playing Lý Bôn) in the play Nam Việt đế - Vạn mùa xuân.

Interviewer: Mr. Van Tinh, looking back on your many years of dedication to the traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo), what keeps your love for the profession so strong?

Meritorious Artist Van Tinh: For me, Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) is not just a profession, but a part of my spiritual life. The longer I'm involved, the more I realize that Cheo requires artists to live decent, serious, and responsible lives.

Each role is not simply for the audience to watch, but also a dialogue with history and tradition. That's what has kept me involved with traditional Vietnamese opera until today.

Interviewer: You've played many major roles and won numerous awards. What do awards mean to you?

Meritorious Artist Van Tinh: Awards are a form of recognition, but not the ultimate goal. For me, they serve as a reminder that I must take my profession even more seriously.

Especially with historical roles like Ly Nam De in "Nam Viet Emperor - Ten Thousand Springs," the pressure is immense. How to make the audience believe, and how to not diminish the stature of the historical figure – that's what I pondered to do my best in my performance.

PV: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo) today?

Meritorious Artist Van Tinh: Audiences change, life changes very quickly. Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) cannot stand aside, but how to innovate without losing its identity is a difficult problem.

I think the most important thing is still the people – the artists must have enough courage and passion for their craft to both preserve their roots and find ways to connect with today's audience.

Traditional Vietnamese opera artist Duong Lan participated in artistic activities at an event in Thai Nguyen .

Interviewer: Hello, young artist Duong Lan. Why did you choose traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo) - a path that is not easy?

Artist Duong Lan: From the very beginning, I knew this wouldn't be an easy path. But I was captivated by traditional Vietnamese opera from a very young age.

The melodies, the rhythm of the drums, and the stage setting of Cheo opera have sparked my passion for this traditional art form. Therefore, despite the difficulties, I still want to try and pursue Cheo opera to the end.

PV: After more than 6 years in this profession, what worries you the most?

Artist Duong Lan: My biggest concern is how to avoid becoming superficial. Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) requires a very long period of accumulation: from technique and emotion to life experiences. As a young person, I always remind myself to learn more, observe more, especially from senior artists like Meritorious Artist Van Tinh.

PV: What did your role in "Nam Viet Emperor - Ten Thousand Springs" bring you?

Artist Duong Lan: This is a significant milestone for me. Standing in a historical play, taking on an important role, I feel very strongly the responsibility of an artist. It's not just about performing well, but also about conveying the spirit of the era and the people in history.

This role helped me mature both professionally and in my thinking.

PV: As we welcome the new year, what are the wishes and expectations for the Cheo theater, Meritorious Artist Van Tinh and Duong Lan?

Meritorious Artist Van Tinh: I hope that traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo) will have more opportunities to reach the public, especially the younger generation. It doesn't need to be flashy, just persistent. I also hope that young artists have enough patience to go the long distance, because cheo doesn't yield quick results, but if they are committed, their dedication will be profound.

Artist Duong Lan: I don't set overly ambitious goals; I just hope to maintain my faith in the profession, continue learning, perform on stage more often, and become more mature in my acting. For me, being able to live and work with traditional Vietnamese opera is already a blessing.

Interviewer: Thank you both, artists. We wish you both good health in the new year and hope you continue to keep the flame alive for the traditional Vietnamese opera stage.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202602/giu-ngon-lua-cheo-3a5439b/