Female performers stay national art form

Although they are increasingly popular and attracting many fans, performers of traditional music are still working hard to achieve their dreams, preserving and developing the national art.

Young artists Thuy Hanh, Hien Trang and Thu Dung are trying to improve their work and create new performance styles.

Everyone who has seen these new talents has responded enthusiastically to their style, which has earned them not only national but also international recognition.

"My goal now is to train younger colleagues because the country’s cheo (traditional opera) should be preserved," said Thuy Hanh, a skilled performer of the Central Cheo Theatre in Ha Noi.

Born in a traditional family in Thai Binh Province, the cradle of cheo, Hanh began her love for the art form when she was a child.

She refused several opportunities in various fields to be involved in singing cheo.

Last year, Hanh received the prize for Young Talent at the 2007 National Theatre Competition.

She performed in Noi Dau Tinh Me, a play featuring a modern style in both singing and performances, which left a strong impression on critics and audiences.

"I have difficulties in finding my own way to win young fans’ hearts," says Hanh, adding that many people think cheo’s style is old-fashioned but the art contains modern elements of dance, song and music.

Hanh’s colleague, Hien Trang, has also prospered by being involved in tuong or hat boi (classical drama), one of the country’s traditional arts formed in the 12th century in the central provinces.

"My art is culture. Learning tuong is improving your knowledge in national history and culture," says the 24-year-old Trang, who turned to tuong after three years studying piano at the Ha Noi Music Conservatory.

"Although I have become famous, I have always tried to find a way to improve my ability," she said. Trang has played leading roles in serious works like Tinh Me (Mother’s Love) and Giong To (Rainstorm), which feature moral and social issues.

With an attractive appearance and a strong voice, Thang Long could rise quickly to become a pop icon in the music market and earn a high income.

Instead, she decided to get involved in opera because "classical music runs in my blood," says Long, the youngest soloist of the Viet Nam Opera and Symphony Orchestra Theatre.

Long says she likes singing revolutionary music by veteran musicians like Hoang Hiep and Tran Hoan because "the music is romantic but also powerful."

"Through their songs, I have learned that it’s wrong to think you can be the best singer with only an attractive appearance and dancing skills," she added.

Long is preparing for her first overseas tour in Sweden next month. She will participate in Cay Sao Than (Mystical Flute), a work staged by Swedish and Vietnamese artists.

Source: VNS