In the more than 100-year history of Cai Luong theater, many artists have left a deep impression with their talent and tireless dedication. Among those names, People's Artist Trong Phuc is a special case - an artist who emerged from hardships, gradually asserting himself with his own voice, personality and burning love for national art.
Perseverance
Few people know that the talented artist today once spent years quietly and silently arranging chairs for the audience at the Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Taking on the job of "backing vocalist" between music shows at the fair, Trong Phuc at that time only had one suit, both for singing and performing.
From the days when he had nothing but passion, Trong Phuc became involved with lyrical music with folk melodies. He is considered a new discovery after famous seniors such as: Dinh Van, Ngoc Son, To Thanh Phuong, Dao Duc... The music albums released by Rang Dong Music Center have become a bridge to bring his warm, rustic but profound voice to the hearts of the public everywhere.
After that, there were long flights bringing his singing to overseas audiences in countries with large Vietnamese populations, and wherever he went, he received the love of the public. Having seen him perform in the plays "Ben Cau Det Lua" and "Ngao So Oc Hen" at the Charenton Theater in Paris (France), I felt the admiration of many overseas Vietnamese for him. In response to their love, this artist was humble, polite and eager to learn.
People's Artist Ngoc Giau commented: It can be said that music is just the beginning. In Phuc still seems to have not found a true "living land" for the artistic flame in his heart. It was not until he embarked on the path of becoming a singer that Trong Phuc truly shone.
People's Artist Trong Phuc gives gifts to poor farmers in Gia Lai during a trip back to the source organized by the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.
Shine in your own way
The art of Cai Luong opened another door, where Trong Phuc found his creative self. With a deep, smooth voice like an underground stream, and an acting ability rich in inner feelings, Trong Phuc gradually became a "distinct factor" on the Cai Luong stage after 1975.
Indeed, it is difficult to confuse his voice with other artists - it is the voice of experience, of dedication to the profession, both generous and passionate, both simple and very luxurious. During his lifetime, the late Meritorious Artist Thanh Sang, when watching Trong Phuc performed the role of Tran Minh - his lifetime role in the play "Ben Cau Det Lua" - praised: "The Cai Luong stage has a junior that I cherish".
In his career of hundreds of roles, Trong Phuc has transformed into all kinds of characters - from simple country boys to historical figures, especially those born in the context of war, where tragedy and idealism intersect in a long note of fate. The audience remembers most his role as Sau Thanh in the play "Warrior" and the role of soldier Liem, passionately in love on the battlefield in the play "Love in Wartime" - a beautiful production by People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, a rare new work during the period of script shortage of Tran Huu Trang Opera House.
It is from these roles that he has become an indispensable face when mentioning the achievements of modern Cai Luong. His seriousness and perseverance in the profession not only creates vivid characters, but also inspires young artists - those who look at Trong Phuc to understand that art is not just about the stage lights, but a journey of overcoming difficulties with faith and kindness towards the profession.
As a judge for many seasons of the "Golden Bell of Traditional Opera" contest - a prestigious playground to discover promised voices for the Cai Luong stage - People's Artist Trong Phuc always brings integrity, sophistication and encouragement. He not only evaluates the singing voice but also sees the potential and artistic personality of each contestant to help them develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. He also participated in the Art Council of the Nguyen Trong Quyen - Can Tho Moc Quan contest.
Sharing about his role as a "teacher", he once said: "Each young face coming out of "Chuong Vang Vong Co" is like a new sprout of the stage. Coming from hardships, I understand the value of trust and opportunity. Seeing them grow up every day is what makes me happy."
That saying as well as the way he silently accompanies the next generation proves that Trong Phuc not only keeps the fire for himself, but also passes it on to the next generation - those who are on the thorny path of art.
Portrait of People's Artist Trong Phuc
Live fully with the profession
Currently, People's Artist Trong Phuc is devoting himself to his new role as a revolutionary playwright in the Cai Luong play "Sai Gon Fire", a key performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification. Directed by People's Artist Tran Ngoc Giau, the play is a vivid portrait of the class of artists and soldiers in the resistance war, who used their songs to arouse patriotism and national spirit.
In "Saigon Fire", Trong Phuc not only plays the role of a playwright but also recounts his own journey: an artist who spends his life searching for beauty, going through the rough roads of fate to maintain his faith in the national stage. His voice - when raised to the background of pentatonic music and the sound of the zither - is not simply a sound, but a testament to a time, a generation, an ideal worthy of respect when looking back at 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 to return to the source, connecting art and the tradition of reminding the source of water. Recently, he and 100 artists from Ho Chi Minh City participated in the journey "Following the footsteps of the General Offensive and Uprising in the Spring of 1975" - an emotional trip organized by the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee. "Witnessing the traces of a fiery time with my own eyes, I understand more deeply why we must preserve Cai Luong - an art form that has accompanied the nation in the process of building the country. Cai Luong cannot be separated from history, because it is itself a living history. The trip gave me the material to create the role of the playwright in the play "Sai Gon 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 a living testament to 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 fire that continues to be lit from the first difficult days. An unquenchable fire. An artist who never tires. An artistic flow that still burns, bright and lasting like the passion of People's Artist Trong Phuc.
In Phuc was awarded the title of People's Artist not only because of his talent, but also because he is a model artist who lives a full life. He is not ostentatious, not noisy, not creating waves with gossip, but persistently maintains his profession like keeping a sacred flame. On stage, he is the role; in real life, he is a brother, a teacher, a gentle, devoted colleague who is loved by everyone.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-trong-phuc-canh-chim-khong-moi-196250705201921937.htm
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