People's Artist Trong Phuc: An unwearying bird.

He was loved for his character and the perseverance of an artist who always dedicated himself to his craft.

Throughout the more than 100-year history of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), many artists have left a profound mark through their talent and tireless dedication. Among these names, People's Artist Trong Phuc is a special case – an artist who emerged from hardship, gradually establishing himself through his voice, character, and burning love for national art.

Perseverance and effort

Few people know that the renowned artist of today once spent quiet, unassuming years arranging seats for the audience at the Saigon Zoo stage. Working as a backup singer between music shows at fairs, Trong Phuc at that time only had one suit, which he used both for singing and performing.

From humble beginnings filled with passion, Trong Phuc found his calling in lyrical music with folk influences. He is considered a new discovery following in the footsteps of renowned senior artists such as Dinh Van, Ngoc Son, To Thanh Phuong, and Dao Duc... The albums released by Rang Dong Music Center have become a bridge connecting his warm, simple yet profound voice to the hearts of audiences everywhere.

Following that were long journeys that brought his singing to overseas Vietnamese audiences in countries with large Vietnamese communities, and everywhere he went, he received the love of the public. Having seen him perform in the plays "Weaving Silk by the Bridge" and "Ngao So Oc Hen" at the Charenton Theatre in Paris (France), I felt the admiration of the many overseas Vietnamese for him. In return for their affection, this artist displayed humility, politeness, and a spirit of continuous learning.

People's Artist Ngoc Giau commented: "Music is just the beginning. Trong Phuc seems to have yet to find the true 'living space' for the artistic flame in his heart. It wasn't until he embarked on the path of becoming a stage actor that Trong Phuc truly shone."

People's Artist Trong Phuc presents gifts to poor farmers in Gia Lai during a trip organized by the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

Shine in your own way.

Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) opened another door, where Trong Phuc found his creative self. With his warm, smooth voice like an underground stream, and his ability to act with rich inner emotions, Trong Phuc gradually became a "unique factor" on the Cai Luong stage after 1975.

Indeed, it's hard to mistake his voice for that of other artists – it's the voice of experience, of dedication to the craft, both majestic and poignant, simple yet profoundly elegant. During his lifetime, the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Sang, upon watching Trong Phuc perform the role of Tran Minh – his signature role in the play "By the Silk Weaving Bridge" – praised him, saying, "The Cai Luong stage has a successor whom I cherish."

Throughout his career spanning hundreds of roles, Trong Phuc has embodied a wide variety of characters – from simple country boys to historical figures, especially those born into wartime, where tragedy and ideals intertwine in a long, drawn-out melody of fate. Audiences remember him most for his role as Sau Thanh in the play "The Warrior" and as the soldier Liem, passionately and ardently in love on the battlefield in "Love in Wartime" – a beautifully staged production by People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, a rare new work during a period of script scarcity at the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre.

It was through those roles that he became an indispensable figure when discussing the achievements of modern cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera). His seriousness and perseverance in his profession not only created vivid characters but also inspired young artists – those who look to Trong Phuc to understand that art is not just about the spotlight, but a journey of overcoming difficulties with faith and kindness towards the craft.

As a judge for many seasons of the "Golden Bell of Cai Luong" competition – a prestigious platform for discovering promising voices for the Cai Luong stage – People's Artist Trong Phuc always brings fairness, subtlety, and encouragement. He not only evaluates the singing voice but also sees the potential and artistic personality of each contestant, helping them develop their strengths and overcome weaknesses. He also participated in the Artistic Council of the Moc Quan Nguyen Trong Quyen - Can Tho competition.

Sharing his thoughts on his role as a "mentor," he once said: "Each young face emerging from the 'Golden Bell of Traditional Vietnamese Music' competition is like a new sprout of the stage. Having risen from hardship, I understand the value of belief and opportunity. Seeing them grow day by day is what makes me happy."

That statement, as well as the way he quietly accompanies the next generation, proves that Trong Phuc not only keeps the flame alive for himself, but also passes it on to the next generation – those who are walking on the challenging path of art.

Portrait of People's Artist Trong Phuc

Live life to the fullest with your profession.

Currently, People's Artist Trong Phuc is devoting his efforts to a new role – a revolutionary playwright in the Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) play "Saigon Fire," a key performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country. Directed by People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, the play is a vivid portrayal of the artist-soldier class during the resistance war, those who used songs and music to awaken patriotism and national spirit.

In "Saigon Fire," Trong Phuc not only plays the role of a playwright but also seems to be recounting his own journey: an artist who spent his life searching for beauty, navigating the bumpy roads of fate to maintain his faith in the national theater. His voice – when sung against the backdrop of pentatonic music and the sound of the zither – is not simply sound, but a testament to an era, a generation, and a precious ideal, as we look back on the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

People's Artist Trong Phuc also actively participates in activities related to historical roots, connecting art with the tradition of remembering one's origins. Recently, he joined 100 artists from Ho Chi Minh City on the journey "Following the Footsteps of the Spring 1975 General Offensive and Uprising" - an emotional trip organized by the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. "Witnessing firsthand the traces of a time of bloodshed, I understand even more why we must preserve Cai Luong - an art form that has accompanied the nation in the process of national construction. Cai Luong cannot be separated from history, because it is itself living history. The trip gave me material to create the role of the playwright in the play "Saigon Fire" - People's Artist Trong Phuc shared.

People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, commented: "People's Artist Trong Phuc is living proof of the core values ​​of Cai Luong art, an art form that requires a loving heart and perseverance more than anything else. At a time when traditional theater faces many challenges, the image of Trong Phuc quietly stepping onto the stage every night is an affirmation: Cai Luong is still alive, still beautiful, and there are still people who dare to live for it."

And "Saigon Fire"—his new role—is the flame that was rekindled from those early, difficult days. A flame that never goes out. An artist who never tires. A stream of art that continues to smolder, brilliant and enduring, just like the dedication of People's Artist Trong Phuc.

Trong Phuc was awarded the title of People's Artist not only for his talent, but also because he is a role model of an artist who lives life to the fullest. He is not ostentatious, not noisy, and does not create controversy, but persistently cherishes his profession as if it were a sacred flame. On stage, he is a character; in real life, he is a kind, dedicated brother, teacher, and colleague loved by everyone.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-trong-phuc-canh-chim-khong-moi-196250705201921937.htm