People's Artist Trong Phuc recalls memories with the 'king of reformed opera' Vu Linh

As guest judges in episode 4 of the Cai Luong Academy program, People's Artist Trong Phuc, along with People's Artist Bach Tuyet, renowned singer Chau Thanh, and Thanh Hang, continued to select the contestants who would advance.

Before achieving fame in cải lương (Vietnamese traditional opera), artist Trọng Phúc was a singer of modern music. Therefore, he had the experience to adapt to different art forms.

According to People's Artist Trong Phuc, the most important thing is to learn and understand so that when transitioning from modern music to Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera), there is no break. He hopes that the contestants of the program will learn the skills to apply to their roles.

People's Artist Trong Phuc said that his transition to performing Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) was entirely coincidental. He jokingly calls it a "side job." He didn't study Cai Luong professionally, but had a natural talent for it from a young age. People's Artist Trong Phuc also believes that the patron saint of the profession chose him.

He likens himself to a bee gathering nectar, taking a little sweetness from each place to equip himself with. However, he emphasizes that what is learned from predecessors must become one's own "capital," not simply copied verbatim. Anything applicable will be further developed in depth, while anything unsuitable will be discontinued.

“I’m very perceptive. When I listen to an artist sing, I list the best parts and then select what I want to learn from them. I jokingly call it ‘stealing’ (laughs). I’m a male singer, but I have to learn a little from Ms. Ut Bach Lan, Ms. Bach Tuyet, Ms. Ngoc Giau, Ms. Dieu Hien, Ms. Le Thuy… I take the essence, not everything, because that would inadvertently turn me into a copy. If that were the case, the audience wouldn’t need to listen to me sing anymore,” he confided.

According to him, learning new and valuable things should happen every day. Even after judging many programs, he still has to keep learning.

The artist added that besides music theory and professional skills, the teachers of the past placed great emphasis on moral education for their successors. This is something he hopes young people will learn and implement well. Speaking about the next generation, People's Artist Trong Phuc hopes they will lead clean lives and possess good morals… while still maintaining a relaxed attitude towards their profession and creativity. He hopes that future generations will take the core elements of Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) and enhance and beautify them further, rather than discarding them.

During the program, People's Artist Trong Phuc had the opportunity to recall memories with the late Meritorious Artist Vu Linh. He was a senior figure and also someone who gave him many impressions and experiences on stage. People's Artist Trong Phuc had played many leading roles in Cai Luong plays. However, when acting alongside Meritorious Artist Vu Linh, he had to play a supporting role.

“The image of Vu Linh in my mind has always been very significant. He was a senior, a mentor, a role model. When he performed on stage, I would stand backstage watching to learn every step, every expression… At that time, I thought that acting alongside him, I could play any supporting role, any minor character.”

I vividly remember him asking, "Why does Phuc just sit there staring at me while I sing?" I jokingly replied, "I only watch if you sing well; I wouldn't watch if you sang badly. I watch to learn from you," recounted People's Artist Trong Phuc.

People's Artist Trong Phuc with the late Meritorious Artist Vu Linh.

In his memory, Meritorious Artist Vu Linh always cared for and looked after his colleagues. Normally, Meritorious Artist Vu Linh was very easygoing and cheerful, but when he was on stage, he was very serious and demanding. He often reminded and encouraged everyone.

"Every night after performing, the two of us would sit down and talk, sharing a lot. He's strict, but he has his reasons because he wants to improve everyone, make things work better, and satisfy the audience. That's why everyone understands and feels comfortable," said People's Artist Trong Phuc.

Ngoc Thanh

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