People's Artist Dinh Bang Phi dedicated his life to traditional Vietnamese opera.

Yesterday morning, November 18th, the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association organized a photo exhibition and discussion about People's Artist Dinh Bang Phi, a renowned artist of the traditional Vietnamese opera (hat boi).

This occasion also honors him on Vietnamese Teachers' Day, recognizing his role as a teacher who has trained many generations of actors.

People's Artist Dinh Bang Phi sat in a wheelchair because he was 82 years old and suffered from Alzheimer's disease, but his son said that whenever anyone mentioned traditional Vietnamese opera (hat boi), he would become quick-witted and lucid. Indeed, he spoke clearly and emotionally. The entire audience, including many famous artists and authors such as Kim Cuong, Le Chuc, Tran Ngoc Giau, Ngoc Khanh, Huu Danh, Bay Truong, Huu Nghia, Vuong Huyen Co... all held him in the highest regard for a man who had devoted himself wholeheartedly to hat boi, cherishing every moment spent with him, because he was a rare remaining talent of this traditional art form. He was originally a high school teacher, then a lecturer at the Saigon National School of Music , but he naturally developed a passion for hat boi, pursuing it regardless of public opinion or difficulties. He became an actor, as well as a researcher, author, scriptwriter, director, collector, and compiler, leaving behind an invaluable treasure for hat boi.

People's Artist Kim Cương said: "I admire him for dedicating his entire life to art, for his talent yet extreme humility." Meritorious Artist Lê Chức, flying in from Hanoi , shared a memory: "I admired him from the time he was awarded the title. When his name wasn't yet on the list, he calmly said: 'If I haven't received it yet, my friends will, and that's still a joy.'" Director and Meritorious Artist Ca Lê Hồng said: "I learned traditional Vietnamese opera from various artists and then from Mr. Đinh Bằng Phi. Many of the dances and techniques of traditional opera have helped me when staging cải lương (Vietnamese reformed opera) and plays. I advise playwrights to also learn more about traditional opera; there are many great aspects to apply."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nsnd-dinh-bang-phi-mot-doi-vi-hat-boi-1851013123.htm