Thanh Loc: 'I'm living less extravagantly'

Artist Thanh Loc said that he lives a simple, frugal lifestyle, and his air conditioner at home has been broken for 10 years without needing repair because he doesn't think it's necessary.

In early December, the veteran actor returned to the big screen with the role of Councilman Linh in the film. The Prince of Bac Lieu . On this occasion, the "stage wizard" spoke about the pressure of being the pillar of Thien Dang - the unit he co-founded - and his perspective on life at the age of 63.

- As one of the main ticket-selling names in theater, how do you balance your film and theater schedules?

But Prince of Bac Lieu This is one of the rare films I've accepted because I liked the script and could arrange my schedule. I have to prioritize theater, so I've turned down many film offers when they conflict with my performance schedule, including roles I really liked. Even if I knew during the research process that a film project involved an actor from my theater group, I would subtly decline, because I had to stay and protect the stage. Though I regretted it, I had to accept; I couldn't have both.

Some audience members said, "We won't buy tickets if Thanh Loc isn't performing." I'm grateful for that, but I also feel pressured by it. Many actors slow down at a certain point because they feel they've achieved enough. But for me, the pressure from public sentiment makes me constantly strive to maintain the same pace and energy as before. That scares me.

- Your main income comes from theater; how do you make ends meet?

-I have a funny story. My bedroom had an air conditioner, and one fine day, it broke down. For over 10 years now, I haven't used the air conditioner, only a small fan. I always think about my starting point, when I was a young actress living in a cramped, hot "birdcage." I asked myself, "Back then, when we were poor, I could still live like this, so why can't I now?" Ultimately, I told myself not to become dependent on any habit.

I used to live extravagantly because I was obsessed with fashion and bought a lot of clothes. One day, I was shocked to realize how much I was spending and worrying about whether I could cope if my income decreased. After that, I adopted a simpler lifestyle and realized that not much had changed. I've balanced my life because I don't have many needs for consumption now; it's good to have things, but it's okay if I don't.

Artist Thanh Loc. Photo: Provided by the subject.

- How do you feel age is affecting your acting performance?

- There's one play I'd really like to perform again, but my health doesn't allow it, and that is... Beast Contract By author Le Hoang. I like that work because the story is never outdated, but it can't move or jump around like it used to.

I'm fortunate not to have any underlying health conditions, but my stamina has decreased somewhat. Two years ago, during a performance... Once upon a time , I had an accident on stage and sprained the ligaments in my left knee. To this day, my left knee still aches. If I want to perform in long plays, I need to have a proper rest schedule.

Therefore, I am gradually handing over the roles to younger actors, because they are the ones who will eventually take over the stage from us. Besides, if I play the lead role in every play, when will there be someone to succeed me?

Behind the scenes: Thanh Loc plays Councilman Linh - a wealthy businessman from the old South in "The Prince of Bac Lieu". Video : Provided by the film crew.

- How did you get the role of Councilman Linh?

- I received a call from director Ly Minh Thang, asking to meet to discuss the script. To be honest, at that time I didn't remember who he was; it was the film's title that attracted me. I sensed the producer's passion in exploring the culture of Southern Vietnam in the early 20th century, along with anecdotes related to the wealthy young man of Bac Lieu and "Mother Bay" Phung Ha.

I also appreciate how the screenwriter steered the film towards an educational message about fatherhood, through the story between Councilman Linh and his son Ba Hon (Song Luan). Councilman Linh, on the one hand, adheres to old customs and protects family traditions, while on the other hand, he encourages his son to embrace new things, sending Ba Hon to study in France. The character has lines that I particularly like, such as "It's better for a father to spank his son than for the son to be slapped in the face by life," and "Failure doesn't mean you're incompetent."

- Some stage actors often make the mistake of exaggerating when acting in films. How do you overcome this?

- I've always been aware that I'm a stage actor going into film, so I often ask film directors to help me tone down my performance on set. For example, Ly Minh Thang is very reluctant to give feedback, especially to senior actors like me, Huu Chau, and Thanh Thuy. I told Thang: "Only you can see the screen, so whenever you see me starting to 'flirt' with the stage, you have to remind me immediately."

I'm willing to reshoot scenes dozens of times according to the director's instructions, because there are times when emotions run high and are difficult to control. I think that should be the approach of a professional, seasoned actor. You have to be more open, aware of your weaknesses, so that people feel comfortable working with you. I often remind young actors: Experienced actors know how to adjust their acting, eliminating the ambiguity between theater and film.

Thành Lộc in a scene from the play "Alo, Revealing the Goods" - one of the popular plays in which he played a supporting role. Video: Mai Nhật

- Nearly 10 years after your autobiography "Sincerity and Life's Blessings," are there any other works you're working on?

- I plan to write a book, but not about myself anymore, but about the colleagues I admire, the people I've worked with and learned from. In acting, I have many mentors, not just the bigger names. Even many younger actors, like Song Luan in my recent film, I've learned from their shining moments. Thanks to them, I love this profession even more. The only problem is I'm very lazy when it comes to writing, so I don't know when that plan will ever be completed (laughs).

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