Meritorious Artist Pham Huy Thuc: Happy when drama comes to Dong Nai audiences

Over the years, Meritorious Artist Pham Huy Thuc has actively brought drama to Dong Nai to serve all classes of people, especially officers, soldiers of the armed forces and students.

Drama helps the young generation "touch" history

* Mr. Pham Huy Thuc, how do you feel about continuously bringing plays to perform for Dong Nai audiences for many years?

Meritorious Artist Pham Huy Thuc.

- 2025 marks the 10th time I have returned here, connected by the Dong Nai Province Literature and Arts Association, to perform the play Dang Thuy Tram to serve the people. Last year, I returned to Dong Nai to perform the play White Night. I always consider Dong Nai one of my familiar "artistic rendezvous". Every time I return to perform, I am filled with joy and emotion, because Dong Nai audiences deeply appreciate and sympathize with political and revolutionary stage works.

* What is your most memorable memory during your performance in Dong Nai?

- There are many memories, but perhaps the most memorable ones were the times our troupe performed the play White Night about the image of President Ho Chi Minh at Quang Truong Park, Tan Trieu Ward, and the play Dang Thuy Tram at military units, colleges, and universities. When the curtain closed, the entire audience stood up and applauded for a long time. Some audience members were in tears, stepped onto the stage to shake hands and say thank you. That moment really moved me, because I clearly felt that the stage is not only art but also a bridge connecting the hearts of artists with the people.

* Dong Nai is famous for its reformed opera, music and dance stages. In your opinion, what is the significance of bringing drama here?

- Each art form has its own strengths and its own audience. Cai luong is associated with music and lyrics, but drama is closer and reflects life directly. In Dong Nai, there is currently no school for training in drama, so bringing drama to the audience here is very meaningful, especially in educating tradition and spreading the passion for art. Young people today who have access to history and culture through drama will have more love, pride and a sense of responsibility for their homeland and country.

* In your opinion, what is the decisive factor for a play to touch the audience's heart, especially political and revolutionary works?

- For a play to touch the hearts of the audience, authenticity is essential. With political and revolutionary plays, authenticity must be given top priority, authenticity in the script, in the character image and in the performance of the artist. Besides, humanity is also the soul of the work. In addition, the companionship of the audience is the source of motivation for the artist to constantly create and keep the stage burning.

Spread drama, spread passion

* In drama, you are often given negative roles. Do you ever feel "boxed in"?

- In real life, my friends and colleagues say I am a gentle person. However, on stage, I often play scheming, cunning, even evil roles. I always see those roles as opportunities. The audience watches the "evil roles" that I play, instead of hating them, many people love the artist more, because they understand that it is an artistic creation. The most important thing is to step onto the stage with all your heart and mind.

Meritorious Artist Pham Huy Thuc plays Mr. Pho in the play Dang Thuy Tram for Dong Nai audiences.

* In the context of the theater facing many difficulties due to the explosion of modern entertainment forms, in your opinion, what should Dong Nai do to spread drama more widely?

- First of all, there must be attention from local authorities, all levels, sectors and especially the Dong Nai Province Literature and Arts Association. They are the bridge that helps artists reach the public. Besides, Dong Nai needs to focus on investing in facilities, opening theater training classes to create human resources. Currently, many Dong Nai students who love drama have gone to Ho Chi Minh City to study, because there is no training place in the locality, nor is there a clear output. I believe that, if there is investment attention, in the future, the theater scene in Dong Nai will develop strongly.

Playing the villain in the plays performed in Dong Nai, what I want to convey to the audience is: In life there are always two sides, the good and the bad. But the good and the spirit of solidarity will always win, while the bad alone cannot last forever.
Meritorious Artist PHAM HUY THUC

* With more than 40 years of experience in the theater, what advice do you have for young people who dream of becoming professional actors?

- I always tell generations of students that: To become a professional actor, first of all, you must have a true passion for the profession. Theatre is an arduous journey, requiring hard work, perseverance, and there is no room for superficiality. Young people pursuing theatre need to cultivate knowledge, personality, and a spirit of continuous learning. The Vietnamese theatre still needs young faces who are both talented and dedicated, who dare to commit and contribute.

* In the near future, do you have plans to stage new plays specifically for Dong Nai audiences, sir?

- I and the artists and actors in Ho Chi Minh City always wish to continue to connect and bring more new plays to Dong Nai. We are nurturing a number of themes on historical and revolutionary plays and contemporary stories close to today's life to celebrate the country's major holidays. This is also our way of expressing our gratitude for the affection that Dong Nai audiences in particular and the whole country in general have given us over the years.

* Thank you very much!

My Ny (performed)

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202510/nghe-si-uu-tu-pham-huy-thuchanh-phuc-khi-kich-noi-den-voi-khan-gia-dong-nai-6b50ed9/