100 YEARS - Actors perform in 100 Năm Sân Khấu Cải Lương (A Hundred Years of Cải Lương Theatre), a drama project offering TV shows on cải lương launched by People’s Artist Thanh Điền. Photo courtesy of HCM Television.

Điền is recognised for his great contribution to cải lương (reformed opera), a 100-year-old traditional theatre genre of the southern region.

“I have worked for 60 years to expand Vietnamese theatre among young people,” said 78-year-old Điền, who felt honoured and gave thanks to the fans for their love and support. "For a true artist, glory comes after hard work, suffering and sacrifice.”

GREAT ARTIST - People’s Artist Thanh Điền (right) has 60 years of experience in cải lương (reformed opera), a 100-year-old traditional theatre genre of the southern region. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Điền began his career in 1959 after working for the Trường Xuân Cải Lương Troupe in Tiền Giang Province.

He later performed for leading troupes in the region, becoming one of the brightest stars in cải lương.

In 1974, he established his own troupe, Xuân Liên Hoa, which attracted young talents, including Thanh Kim Huệ, who later became his wife.

His strong and melodic voice and stage presence helped Điền leave an indelible mark on the art, enabling him to use his popularity to promote the art form.

Điền won his first gold prize for his role in Đêm Trắng (Sleepless Night), a play featuring the late President Hồ Chí Minh, at the National Professional Theatre Festival in 1990 in Hà Nội.

Điền has also won several top prizes at theatre festivals and contests, including the Golden Prize for best theatre director at the 2003 National Television Festival in HCM City.

He has performed in more than 300 plays, videos and movies.

Điền has worked with television and radio stations to launch theatre programmes of cải lương for young audiences.

One of his highlights is titled 100 Năm Sân Khấu Cải Lương (A Hundred Years of Cải Lương Theatre), a production by Hồ Chí Minh Television.

The project offers TV shows featuring the history of cải lương, songs and plays performed by veteran and young artists.

Điền and his staff travelled and talked with many cultural researchers and historians to optimise their project.

Điền now works as a lecturer at Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre and HCM City University of Theatre and Cinematography.— VNS