People's Artist Thanh Ngoan - Happy to be attached to Cheo for life

At the age of U60, when many people choose a leisurely life, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan is still busy with meaningful trips.

From the stage of his hometown to Europe, from small classes to international performances, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan tirelessly promotes the quintessence of Vietnamese folk art with enduring passion.

Passion for the profession

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan said she is collaborating with pipa artist Nghiem Thu and Meritorious Artist Le Nguyen Dat to carry out a program to promote traditional arts, combined with tourism development. The program not only performs Cheo - the art form she has been attached to all her life - but also many other genres such as folk songs, Cai Luong, Quan Ho, and unique traditional musical instrument ensembles. "I hope the audience, especially international tourists, will feel the soul of Vietnamese culture through the melodies and lyrics" - she shared.

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan

The journey to promote traditional arts of People's Artist Thanh Ngoan will continue in Japan in December, within the framework of international music exchange. This is the tireless effort of the dedicated artist, bringing Vietnamese folk arts beyond borders, closer to international friends.

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan is not only a familiar face in the country but also a typical representative of traditional Vietnamese art abroad. She has brought Xam, Cheo, and Ca Tru singing to serve overseas Vietnamese in Europe, America and many international exchange programs. Her singing, especially the Xam song "Suong Kho Vi Chong", has delighted foreign audiences because of its charm and uniqueness.

Constant efforts

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan's real name is Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoan, born in 1966 in Thai Binh province (now Hung Yen province) - a countryside considered the "cradle of Cheo". She grew up in a space filled with songs. From the age of 7, she sang Cheo in the village's art troupe. At the age of 13, she passed the entrance exam to the Vietnam Cheo Theatre and began her professional artistic journey.

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan (3rd from left) at the honoring ceremony on the traditional day of Vietnamese Theater 2025. (Photo provided by the character)

In 1981, at the age of 15, she made an impression with the "Good Cheo Singing" award in Thai Binh and was affectionately called "Ngoan Beo" by the audience. In 1993, despite being more than 8 months pregnant, she was still invited to participate in a performance in Ninh Binh, because no one could replace her role. Her career is a journey of endless efforts and dedication. From a small role without dialogue to the role of Hoan Thu full of inner thoughts in "Truyen Kieu", she always performed with meticulousness and passion.

"I am lucky to be loved by my ancestors and colleagues, so I have won prizes in almost every competition. But what makes me happiest is being able to devote my whole life to Cheo" - People's Artist Thanh Ngoan confided.

In 2022, after more than 40 years of dedication to the art of Cheo, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan officially retired, ending an impressive artistic journey. Although retired, her passion for Cheo is still burning. In addition to performing tours, she also spends time teaching Cheo, Van, Xam, and Ca Tru singing to the younger generation, and at the same time organizes regular performances to preserve and spread traditional arts.

As a former member of the Hanoi Youth Union and President of the Hanoi Young Artists Association, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan has always been a pioneer in bringing folk art closer to young people. In 2023, she attracted attention when she sat on the judge's chair of the TV show "The New Mentor", bringing traditional art perspectives into the modern entertainment environment.

She confided: "Cheo has gone through some shaky periods, sometimes with few audiences. But I believe as long as we don't give up, Cheo can still survive and shine again."

People's Artist Thanh Ngoan was also one of the first people to boldly bring ca tru into cheo, creating special roles such as the owner of the restaurant Hong Chau in the play "Ho Xuan Huong".

"On October 3, People's Artist Thanh Ngoan and many traditional stage artists were honored on the traditional day of Vietnamese Stage 2025, organized by the Vietnam Stage Artists Association.

People's Artist Trinh Thuy Mui - Vice President of the Vietnam Union of Literature and Arts Associations, President of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association - commented: "Thanh Ngoan is a dynamic artist, participating in performances and taking on leadership roles, while also actively researching. After successfully defending her doctoral thesis, she is still working hard in her art. Perseverance and innovation are what colleagues recognize in Thanh Ngoan."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-thanh-ngoan-hanh-phuc-khi-gan-bo-tron-doi-voi-cheo-196251011203745031.htm