Meritorious Artist Le Dien: The dedicated captain of circus, puppetry, and magic arts in Ho Chi Minh City

(NLDO) - A journey of dedication, a life of a full-fledged artist, Meritorious Artist Le Dien retires but his spirit is "not retiring".

People's Artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City awarded the decision on excellent completion of tasks to Meritorious Artist Le Dien

Meritorious Artist – Director Le Dien officially received the retirement decision from People's Artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City. On the afternoon of July 15, in a warm and emotional atmosphere, the collective of actors of the Phuong Nam Art Theater (now the Ho Chi Minh City Art Center) held an intimate meeting, expressing gratitude to the director – the person who devoted all his heart, mind and soul to the cause of preserving and developing circus, puppetry and magic in Ho Chi Minh City.

Le Dien: The silent keeper of the fire

Experts say that the captain, Meritorious Artist Le Dien, has left the dock, but the artistic ship that he helped steer will continue to move forward, with the wind named "Le Dien" still blowing in the sails.

Meritorious Artist Le Dien in front of the Buon Me Thuot victory monument

Meritorious Artist Le Dien is not only an excellent stage director but also a dedicated manager, a devoted elder brother in the big family of circus, puppetry and magic arts of the city. Having held many positions from actor, director to management roles at the Ho Chi Minh City Drama Theater, Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Center and later as Director of the Phuong Nam Art Theater, in every position he left his mark with his dedication and rare professional qualities.

During his time leading the Southern Arts Theater, he steered the art boat through many difficulties, gradually affirming the theater's position on the circus stage map of the city and the whole country.

Under his sharp and dedicated artistic direction, many circus, puppetry and magic shows have reached international levels, achieving remarkable achievements, bringing pride to the arts of Ho Chi Minh City in particular and Vietnam in general.

The Man of Stage Dreams

What makes the artists, actors, staff, and workers of the theater always love Meritorious Artist Le Dien is not only his talent or achievements, but also his deep and sincere concern for each person. Although busy with management work, he never forgets to ask about the life and health of each actor, kindly encourages them to overcome difficulties, supports young talents, and persistently pursues the work of training successors.

For him, art is not only a stage but also humanity, a place to return to passion and dedication. People's Artist Phi Vu commented: "It is that dedication that has created a close-knit collective, a humane creative environment at Phuong Nam Art Theater - where artists can work and live under a true common roof. Le Dien creates connection and love."

From left to right: People's Artist Ha The Dung, Mr. Nguyen Minh Nhut - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, Meritorious Artist Le Dien and Journalist, Director Thanh Hiep (photo by Quynh Hoa)

Not only leaving his mark in management and art, Meritorious Artist Le Dien is also an active factor in social activities, especially "returning to the source" trips organized by the Propaganda Department and the Mass Mobilization Department of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee.

He always acts as a bridge between artists, spreading the spirit of community responsibility, and raising awareness of cultural and historical roots among young artists.

Le Dien: "The captain who left his mark on the circus and puppetry brand of Ho Chi Minh City"

People's Artist Luu Bich Lien - Deputy Director of the Southern Arts Theater (now the Ho Chi Minh City Arts Center) - had many words of respect when commenting on Meritorious Artist Le Dien: "Mr. Le Dien is an exemplary leader, an artist who lives a decent life and works a decent job. He has steered the theater through difficult times, opened up many opportunities for international cooperation and brought the circus - puppetry - magic brand of Ho Chi Minh City to a new height. He left behind a precious legacy of love and solidarity of the collective".

Meritorious Artist Le Dien and Artists Thanh Hoa and Hien Phuoc at the International Circus Festival held in Russia

Le Dien: "Never thought about retiring..."

Sharing at the farewell, Meritorious Artist director Le Dien was moved: "I have never thought about retiring. For me, art is life, is breath. I will still maintain my health to be able to continue to accompany my fellow artists, will still be with the stage, even in a different role."

Today's farewell is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in the artistic journey of Meritorious Artist Le Dien - where he continues to be a torchbearer, a witness and a silent guide for the young generation of artists.

The portrait of Meritorious Artist Le Dien was donated by painter Quang Khanh - the painting is accompanied by 107 names of artists, staff, and technical experts who have been associated with Phuong Nam Art Theater - those who have accompanied Meritorious Artist Le Dien on his glorious journey.

"Meritorious Artist Le Dien - a lifetime of artistry, a lifetime of dedication. His career is like a quiet but resonant symphony, the crystallization of his love for the profession, love for people, and responsibility for the country's art" - Director Ton That Can, Permanent Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association, commented.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsut-le-dien-vi-thuyen-truong-tan-tam-cua-nghe-thuat-xiec-roi-ao-thuat-tp-hcm-196250716080456345.htm