About 7-8 years ago, Phuong Lien often returned to Vietnam to perform, especially in the large-scale Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) shows of impresario Gia Bao. Her performance in " Half a Lifetime of Fragrance and Powder" left a particularly beautiful mark. However, for many years now, due to health reasons, Phuong Lien has not returned, and the longing for her homeland, her colleagues, and her audience has been a constant ache in her heart. She confided in her close friend, artist Le Thuy, who said, "Come back, I'll organize a reunion." The reunion was unexpectedly well-attended, as everyone had continued to love Phuong Lien for so many years.
Artist Phuong Lien performed an excerpt from " Half a Lifetime of Fragrance and Powder" with artists Le Thuy and Trong Huu.
PHOTO: HK
Many generations of famous artists were present at the celebration, including artists Le Thuy, Ngoc Giau, Hung Minh, Thanh Nguyet, Quoc Nhi, Dieu Hien, Thanh Tuan, Thanh Dien, Thanh Vy, Thoai Mieu, Minh Minh Tam, Phuong Binh, Kieu Tien, Kieu Mai Ly, To Kim Hong, Chi Tam, Dien Tu Lang, Hoai Thanh, Do Quyen, Chau Thanh, Trong Huu, Trong Phuc, Phuong Loan, Thanh Hang, Thanh Ngoc, Phuong Hang, Tuan Thanh, Cam Tien, Kim Tu Long, Thanh Ngan, Le Tu, Ha Nhu, Kim Ngan, director Hoa Ha, director Tran Ngoc Giau, playwright Hoang Song Viet… Many were in their 80s like Phuong Lien, and some were in wheelchairs, but they still came to Phuong Lien because "they didn't know if they would see each other again." Not only did Phuong Lien shed tears, but many others also silently wept.
Artists Chí Tâm, Lê Tứ, and Hà Như perform an excerpt from the play "The Sword of Nguyên Bá".
PHOTO: HK
The artists reminisced about their time singing together, sometimes performing with the same troupe, sometimes with individual troupes, but they always kept in touch, especially when Phuong Lien was in America , her family welcomed many artist friends who came to perform there.
Le Thuy said, "Every time I go to America, I stay at Phuong Lien's house, we sleep together and talk until 1 or 2 in the morning." And on this occasion, they stepped onto a small stage, performing excerpts and famous traditional songs such as "Half a Lifetime of Fragrance and Powder," "Nguyen Ba's Sword," "Mother's Daughter," "Mother's Heart," "I'll Marry You in January" ... Surprisingly, these once-beautiful voices, though worn down by time and health, still retain their charm.
Artist Phuong Lien, along with her friends and colleagues Thanh Dien, Quoc Nhi, Thanh Nguyet, and the couple Hung Minh and his wife.
PHOTO: HK
This time, Phượng Liên returned to Vietnam for about two weeks. Instead of performing, she dedicated her time to visiting friends. She recently visited artist Hồng Nga because Hồng Nga was too unwell to attend. The camaraderie among artists remains strong despite the difficulties on stage and the fact that some have retired from the stage due to illness. Some of her most devoted fans also attended, offering heartfelt gifts to help the artist find joy in her old age. Such touching bonds exist in cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera)!
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghe-si-phuong-lien-ve-tham-que-huong-185251217102153623.htm
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