Not coming from an artistic family, young artist Le Thanh Hao's journey into traditional Vietnamese opera (Thai Binh Traditional Opera Troupe) began with passion. After watching a performance and witnessing the artists' brilliance on stage, he decided to pursue this path. From backstage work such as stage preparation, makeup, and dance practice to small roles, Thanh Hao persistently learned and accumulated experience.
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| Artist Le Thanh Hao (far right) and other artists from the Thai Binh Traditional Opera Troupe perform for the audience at Phuoc Duc Ancient Temple, Hoa Binh commune, Ca Mau province. |
By day, she studied her craft, and by night, she performed with the troupe. Thanh Hao quietly nurtured her passion and gradually established herself. In a context where traditional Vietnamese opera often struggles to attract audiences, Thanh Hao's choice to stay committed demonstrates a persistent love for the profession and a commitment to preserving traditional art. "As a young artist, I always strive in every role, no matter how small, to gain experience. Even when the stage is sometimes empty, I remain steadfast in my pursuit, hoping to spread my love for traditional opera to more young people," Thanh Hao shared.
Sharing that same passion, artist Tran Thang Loi (Thai Binh Traditional Opera Troupe) came to traditional opera from his vivid childhood memories. Growing up near Ong Bon Temple (Tra Kha B hamlet, Bac Lieu ward, Ca Mau province), he was familiar with the sight of the troupe performing at the temple during the Ky Yen festival, where the songs and roles gradually left their mark on his mind. It was this cultural space that nurtured his love for traditional opera, and his dream of becoming an artist gradually came true. For Thang Loi, traditional opera is not just a profession but also a responsibility for young people in preserving and promoting the national cultural identity.
Artist Thang Loi expressed: "Although I'm not from a family of performers, I still choose to stick with traditional theater because it brings profound spiritual value. It's both my passion and my responsibility as a young generation."
Besides the artists, the support of the audience, especially young audiences, is playing a crucial role in the revival of traditional Vietnamese opera. From performances at village communal houses and festivals, many young people initially come out of curiosity and gradually fall in love with this art form.
Ms. Nguyen Huynh Nhu (Hamlet 4, Bac Lieu Ward, Ca Mau Province) shared: “When I was little, I used to go with my mother to the temple to worship and watch traditional opera during the Ky Yen festival. Not only was it a unique form of entertainment, but this hobby also helped me understand more about our nation's history through plays with historical themes. For me, each art form contains its own unique characteristics, and if we appreciate it with love for our national culture, we will easily embrace it.”
Notably, today's younger generation not only enjoys traditional Vietnamese opera but also actively spreads it on digital platforms. Performance excerpts and behind-the-scenes images widely shared on social media have helped this art form reach a wider audience.
The continuity between the artists' passion and the empathy of young audiences is creating a new wave for traditional theater. In the turbulent pace of modern life, it is the young people who are contributing to keeping traditional theater not only alive but also shining with renewed vitality.
Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/doi-song/tam-huyet-giu-hon-tuong-co-1044771
