In a conversation with Lao Dong reporter, when mentioning Tao Quan and the role of Bac Dau, Meritorious Artist Thai Son said: “Tao Quan has always been a big program that I have always loved and admired since I was a child. All the artists participating in Tao Quan are so talented, interacting well with each other, the comedy is profound, rich in messages. Personally, I really did not dare to dream that one day I would be included in the artists participating in Tao Quan.”
Thai Son comes from a background as a Cheo artist. He said he was greatly influenced by People's Artist Tu Long, and was mentored and supported by People's Artist Tu Long. Thai Son expressed his respect and special affection for People's Artist Tu Long.
“People's Artist Tu Long is my brother and teacher who plays an important role in my career. When I started taking the entrance exam to the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema, my uncle, artist Xuan Theo (Military Cheo Theatre), introduced me to Tu Long and entrusted me with the role. After that, People's Artist Tu Long guided and taught me the skit "Stealing Fish" to help me pass the entrance exam to the University of Theatre and Cinema.
Since that day, I have been grateful to People's Artist Tu Long. Before entering university, I often went to the Army Cheo Theater to watch the performances and rehearse new plays. I loved and admired Tu Long's acting style. He could play many types of roles, and each role was 'very passionate and very enthusiastic'. Not only did he sing well and act well, he was also a very talented artist in many fields."
At Tao Quan 2025, People's Artist Tu Long and a group of veteran artists such as Meritorious Artist Chi Trung, Meritorious Artist Quang Thang, People's Artist Quoc Khanh, and artist Van Dung returned, creating juggling performances as the highlight of the program.
Meanwhile, Thai Son, who has been suggested by audiences for many years to play Bac Dau, has a special role in Tao Quan 2025. Accordingly, Thai Son, along with Thanh Huong, Manh Dung, and Anh Tho, play a group of talented candidates participating in the talent selection contest of Thien Dinh, in the context of mergers and staff streamlining.
The role was short, but Thai Son and the other artists had their own roles. Thai Son sang a cheo opera when participating in the talent selection contest of Thien Dinh.
Notably, Thai Son appeared in the same scene with People's Artist Tu Long - whom he always respected and considered a mentor in the profession. In the talent contest of Thien Dinh, Thai Son played the role of a contestant, while People's Artist Tu Long sat on the judge's chair. The young, new elements along with the veteran Tao cast in the talent contest created a tragicomedy.
Thai Son's full name is Nguyen Thai Son, born in 1983 in Hung Yen. He comes from a cheo background but is loved by audiences through his roles in television dramas and comedy skits on social media platforms.
Thai Son was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist for his contributions to the art of Cheo.
