Dedicated to your passion for art
Meritorious Artist Le Thien is 80 years old and has been involved in art for decades. At this age, many people have chosen to "retire" but she still diligently goes to acting and participating in programs. Where does your motivation come from?
- At this age, my health is no longer good, so if the filming schedule is long and difficult, it sometimes forces me to refuse some film crews. However, for projects with good script reading and many stories, I will try harder.
Making art is my great passion, a profession that has been with me for many years. So, if you force me to rest, I won't get used to it. I love my job and find joy in my job.
However, to participate in new films or some events and programs, I have to prepare very well! I was just afraid that filming a certain film would affect the progress of the film crew if I got sick.
During the recent grand ceremony on April 30, Meritorious Artist Le Thien transformed into a mother in the song "Malo Hoa Thuong" that moved millions of people. The role is widely shared by audiences on forums. To transform into this role, what have you prepared?
- The role of a mother waiting for her child to return after my release is loved by the audience, I am very touched. I lived in wartime and was fortunate to witness peaceful years. However, the memories of war, separation and loss are still a deep burden in my mind.
I have been away from home since I was 13 years old, according to the troupe, and it was not until I was 31 that I met my mother again. At that time, I was the mother of two children. The feeling of seeing my mother again after many years apart is something I will never forget.
It is these alone experiences that help me play the role of a mother in the performance "Red Flower Color" better. As an artist, sometimes I need emotions to perform, but for me, each melody, each image like that has been deeply ingrained in my blood, making me naturally get into the role.
Previously, there was information that she could not participate in this performance due to many health reasons. So how much effort did you put in to join the performing artists?
- Before the performance that day, I had fainted and had to be taken to the emergency room. The delegation considered a replacement plan. But when I recovered, I told everyone to let me act, because this was my real feeling. Everyone in the troupe understands me and creates all conditions for me to perform.
I am happy and joyful that my small presence is felt, sympathized and shared by everyone.
At the age of 80 and having participated in the arts for many years, participating in hundreds of large and small roles, but every time the audience mentioned her, they all regret that Meritorious Artist Le Thien does not have the title of People's Artist. Up to now, do you still regret it?
- Up to now, it has been a long time since I have been awarded the title of People's Artist. I also put this aside and devote myself to my work. For me, the State title is an honor, but if it does not meet the standards, then let it go. The important thing is to live in the hearts of friends and audiences.
Having devoted more than half of my life to art, I always believe that artists have the responsibility to beautify life and inspire the next generation. For me, the love of the audience is the greatest recognition of my efforts.
Remember the moment I met Uncle Ho
When mentioning Meritorious Artist Le Thien, the audience will not forget the story of her honor in meeting Uncle Ho. Until now, after many years, you still remember that story?
- In 1956, I was the youngest member of the Literature Group of the General Department of Politics gathered in the North. Two days before attending the Soviet delegation reception, I was taken to the Presidential Palace to wear a new military uniform and bought a pair of beautiful shoes to prepare for the Presidential Palace.
One morning in the capital, I was honored to set foot in the Presidential Palace to meet Uncle Ho.
However, it was still quite early, so I left the group to visit some places. Then, I suddenly stopped in front of a large hall, looking at a mirror in the hall.
While watching, there was a line from behind: "What is this girl doing?". When I returned, I was moved to see Uncle Ho. Before that, through the press and images, I had known that the leader of the country was Uncle Ho.
I quickly said: " Yes, I came to meet Uncle Ho". He looked at me and laughed and asked me why I arrived so early? I immediately replied: " Yes, the uncles in the group told me to come early to deduct the cost". After that, Uncle Ho laughed and rubbed my head. I still don't forget that moment.
Two days later, a special car to my place at the headquarters on Ly Nam De street welcomed me to the Presidential Palace again. At the second meeting, I was still nervous. Yet when I came to the government, I was happy and no longer worried because Uncle Ho gave candy to eat. Then he asked where I was, I was my hometown in Binh Dinh. After that, when I went to my garden before meals, I would like to run to the garden to pick the rose on my hair.
Meritorious Artist Le Thien was once honored to sing for Uncle Ho, how did she feel when recalling that memory?
- In my artistic life, I have been honored to perform in many countries. Of which, he performed 3 times and reported the results to Uncle Ho, that was the time he performed in North Korea.
When I recounted, Uncle Ho asked him to sing to him and joked with the uncles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The uncles listened to this Binh Dinh girl sing and then checked if the lyrics were correct. I still remember Uncle Ho's words to this day.
What is your biggest lesson from meeting Uncle Ho and listening to his advice?
- Uncle Ho's biggest lesson for me is constantly studying, speaking and doing the smallest things. Uncle Ho is an extremely close and affectionate leader for artists. Stories about Uncle Ho have followed me, becoming a valuable piece of luggage on the path of artistic activities.
Currently, at the age of 80, Uncle Ho's image is still engraved in her heart, how much motivation does that give her in the profession?
- Since the peaceful day of the country, I still remember the teachings of Uncle Ho, so that through each role, through each performance to serve audiences nationwide, I still keep in my heart the image of the day I met Uncle Ho.
Many generations of artists consider Uncle Ho as an example, a great inspiration in artistic creation. Although he has passed away, his image is still present and accompanies the upward development of the country.
For me, the memories of meeting Uncle Ho are always in my heart, I will never forget. Each lesson I summarize from Uncle Ho is awareness of training, learning...
