Traditional Vietnamese opera artist Thao Nguyen has passed away.

Artist Thao Nguyen

A reporter from Nguoi Lao Dong newspaper spoke with Ms. Huong Phan, the younger sister of artist Thao Nguyen. She stated that on the evening of June 28th, after performing in Long An and returning to Ho Chi Minh City, artist Thao Nguyen felt unwell. Her family took her to People's Hospital 115 for emergency treatment, suspecting she had suffered a stroke. After a period of treatment, she passed away on the morning of July 2nd, at the age of 57.

Cai Luong (traditional Vietnamese opera) artist Thao Nguyen (real name Nguyen Thi Kim Thao) has been associated with the Minh To Troupe since her youth. Her most memorable role is Khau Thua Ngu in the play "Bich Van Palace Mystery Case".

Artist Thao Nguyen in the role of Khau Thua Ngu

According to experts, besides the brilliant performance of actress Tài Linh in the role of Lý Thần Phi (in the play "Bích Vân Cung Kỳ Án"), the audience also showed much affection for the role of the second leading lady, the palace maid Khấu Thừa Ngự, played by artist Thảo Nguyên.

Upon joining the Minh To Troupe, Thao Nguyen received training from People's Artist Thanh Tong, who guided her step-by-step in honing her singing and acting skills. Audiences at the time held the young actress in high regard because, although she lacked the striking beauty, Thao Nguyen compensated with her clear, pure voice and mature acting style.

Artist Thao Nguyen (center) in a scene from "The Mysterious Case of Bich Van Palace"

Before joining the Minh To troupe, in 1987, artist Thao Nguyen performed for the Saigon 1 troupe in the play "A Love Is Needed" and several other plays such as: "The Silk Shop at the Village Entrance", "The Young Wife's Hair"...

Later, when she joined the Minh Tơ troupe, artist Thảo Nguyên also performed in plays such as: "I'm Not a Queen," "The Throne and Crime," "After the Execution,"... performing alongside artists Vũ Linh, Tài Linh, Kim Tử Long, and others.

In 1992, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Huong invited artists Thao Nguyen and Linh Chau to perform for the Huong Mua Thu troupe.

The passing of artist Thao Nguyen has left many in the audience of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) and her colleagues deeply saddened.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nghe-si-cai-luong-tuong-co-thao-nguyen-qua-doi-196240702074019947.htm