"Purple Lady" Kim Huong - Missing Home from Florida

Artist Kim Huong and the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga in the play "By the Silk Weaving Bridge"

Artist Kim Huong (Thanh Minh, Thanh Nga Cai Luong Troupe), famous for her role as Tia in the classic Cai Luong play "Ben Cau Det Lua", has immigrated to the US under the family reunification program. She said: "My daughter sponsored me to come here and I am living in Florida - USA. I miss my hometown and my beloved audience. Every time I watch Cai Luong programs on social networks, I get emotional."

Artist Kim Huong forever in the hearts of the audience

Artist Kim Huong, whose birth name is Le Thi Xua, was born in 1952 in Ho Chi Minh City. She is a beloved artist among cai luong audiences. Famous for many supporting roles, she rose to fame when she was chosen by Mrs. Tho (owner of Thanh Minh and Thanh Nga troupes) to replace the role of Queen Mother Duong Van Nga in the cai luong work of the same name when the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga passed away in 1978.

Meritorious Artist Ca Le Hong - the director of this cai luong play - said: "At that time, Kim Huong was very worried, lost her appetite, lost sleep because it was a very difficult role and the main role, so she was encouraged by everyone. I still remember the first performance when she finished the scene of the court, she loudly declared: "I will never surrender this royal robe", the audience applauded enthusiastically. When Kim Huong entered the wings, she could not hold back her emotions and burst into tears".

Artist Kim Huong has ups and downs but is confident

Artist Kim Huong's life is a series of ups and downs, from being escorted by the police to protect her life on stage when she played the role of Empress Duong Van Nga, the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga, to her journey of raising her child alone and her simple philosophy of life.

Artist Kim Huong showed her talent and love for reformed opera from a young age. At the age of 8, she studied traditional singing with teacher Ut Trong, the teacher who trained the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga. Teacher Ut Trong was also the one who gave her her first stage name, Ut Huong, which was later changed to Kim Huong.

At the age of 12, artist Kim Huong was sent by her father to join the Thang Long Huynh Thai troupe, and was adopted by artist Bich Thuan and given acting instruction.

She began practicing for minor roles but soon left the stage due to her young age. Undaunted, she continued to hone her skills, learning traditional music and the zither.

Kim Huong returns to the stage

In 1967, Artist Kim Huong officially returned to the professional stage, joining the Autumn Moon troupe, participating in many famous plays. In early 1968, she was invited by the Kim Chuong troupe to collaborate. Despite initial difficulties, she still participated in many impressive plays. However, due to the nature of the Kim Chuong troupe, which often toured far from home, she had to leave the troupe because she missed home.

In 1972, when Cai Luong was in crisis, Artist Kim Huong switched to studying modern music and sang at music venues and restaurants. She was given a new stage name, Ngoc Tuyen, and impressed with her skillful voice, even singing in Chinese very successfully.

However, the love for the cai luong stage still burned in her heart, forcing her to return to the cai luong stage.

Kim Huong's hard work

After 1975, when the reformed opera troupes were gradually restored and put into operation after the country's reunification, artist Kim Huong returned to the stage. Her deep admiration for artist Thanh Nga prompted her to join the Thanh Minh - Thanh Nga troupe.

She was accepted into the troupe by Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga and assigned to play the role of Tieu Loan in the play "Ben Cau Det Lua". Initially shy, but thanks to Thanh Nga's dedicated guidance, Kim Huong gradually improved and was loved by the audience with the charming role of Tia.

Kim Huong - unforgettable memories

The biggest turning point in the career of artist Kim Huong came after the sudden passing of artist Thanh Nga in 1978. Ms. Nguyen Thi Tho, the troupe leader, decided to choose Kim Huong for the role of Queen Mother in the play "Queen Mother Duong Van Nga" - an iconic role.

This was an extremely large pressure, but with the efforts and support of director Ca Le Hong and the artists, artist Kim Huong performed the role perfectly, achieving 50-70% of Thanh Nga's acting.

After this event, artist Kim Huong was secretly escorted by plainclothes police officers to protect her life during the performances of "Queen Mother Duong Van Nga".

From left to right: Director Thanh Hiep, People's Artist Kim Huong and the late People's Artist Chi Tien (younger brother of the late People's Artist Thanh Nga) in the program "School Stage" at 23-9 Park.

Despite her successes and impressive roles, Kim Huong's career path after that was not really smooth sailing. She left Thanh Minh troupe and collaborated with many different troupes such as: Tieng ca song Cuu, Truc Giang, Phuoc Chung, but did not reach the peak like many of her female colleagues at the same time.

Finally, in 1996, she stopped at the Ho Chi Minh City Puppetry Theater as a manager, performance organizer, a role behind the stage. She regularly stayed at the Mang Non Puppetry Theater - District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Kim Huong's arduous journey

Besides the spotlight, Kim Huong's life is also filled with tragedy in an unfulfilled marriage. She has overcome the journey of 30 years of raising her daughter alone.

She got married quite late, at the age of 38, but the marriage only lasted a few years before breaking up. Taking on the responsibilities of both father and mother, she devoted all her energy to caring for and raising her children.

"I hope to soon return to visit my hometown, artist friends and meet the beloved audience who have always loved me on my journey as an artist" - Artist Kim Huong confided.

"Artist Kim Huong is regularly associated with Lac Long Quan Theater Club, performing in the program "School Theater". She is an example of loving her profession and being dedicated to the stage" - Artist Kieu Phuong Loan shared.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nang-tia-kim-huong-tu-frorida-nho-que-nha-196250717153143639.htm