Having been attached to the stage for many years, but every time they enter the Tet drama season, Tien Luat and Thu Trang still maintain the same feeling of nervousness as in the early days. For the two artists, being on stage at the beginning of the year, bringing laughter to the audience is an unbreakable fate.
This year is even more special as Tien Luat for the first time takes on the role of director of the Tet play "Million Dollar Birthday", taking place on February 18, 20 and 23 (Tet 2nd, 4th and 7th) at The Gioi Tre Theater (HCMC).
The male artist said that initially he did not intend to try his hand at this position, but because he was impressed with the script and at the right time the stage lacked directors, he decided to "risk himself once". That decision received support from his wife Thu Trang and the cast.
Despite being busy with work, the couple still tried to spend all the days before Tet for their families. That is the time for the whole family to clean up, decorate the house, and prepare for Tet. The atmosphere is bustling, adults and children join hands, laughter echoes throughout the house - simple things but creating a complete Tet flavor. "For Trang and Mr. Luat, that is the most important part of Tet," Thu Trang shared.
The family's Tet feast still retains the traditional flavor with banh tet, braised pork with eggs, pickled onions, bitter melon soup... The cook is Tien Luat's mother. On New Year's Eve, the extended family goes to the pagoda to pray for peace, then goes to the rooftop to watch fireworks. For Tien Luat, the moment of watching his parents smile and children play makes all the efforts in the year worthy.
After New Year's Eve, the whole family gathers to chat, on the morning of the 1st day of Tet, wishing Tet to grandparents and relatives, and then returns to Long An (now Tay Ninh) to visit grandparents. From the 2nd day of Tet, the two artists return to the stage to serve the audience.
Having gone through a difficult childhood, Tien Luat said Tet when he was young was very special just because he had new clothes and lucky money envelopes. When he became a father, that feeling became deeper. The first Tet with his son Andy brought joy mixed with responsibility. Thu Trang said that since then, the couple has always thought more about their son and family.
The artist couple also focused on teaching their children to understand the meaning of Tet. When Andy wondered why he had to go to wish Tet or worship New Year's Eve, they saw it as an opportunity to explain tradition, gratitude and respect for the family.
