On the occasion of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day June 21, how do you see the role of journalism in cultural and artistic activities? In more than 30 years of working, what is your most memorable memory with journalists?
- In my opinion, the press is a very important bridge between artists and the public. A work of art, no matter how elaborately invested, needs to have a spread to reach the audience. The press not only performs the task of information but also contributes to aesthetic orientation, creating a forum for professionals to share their views, thoughts and values they want to convey.
In more than 30 years of artistic activity, I have many memories with the reporters. What I remember most is their companionship in stage difficulties. There are performances that have just been released, reporters have come to see and record them very carefully, then there are enthusiastic articles to help the audience know about the work. I always cherish that.
Have any articles or interviews ever had a special impact on you?
- Yes! I remember many years ago, when my theater performed some experimental plays, at first we were quite worried because we didn't know if the audience would accept it or not. Then there were very deep analyses by journalists about the artistic value of the work. Those articles not only encouraged artists but also helped the audience understand more about the play.
Sometimes artists are too busy with their profession to see everything they have done. An objective and sincere article can help us look back at our journey and have more motivation to continue trying.
When the stage encounters difficulties, how has the press accompanied the artist?
- I think the biggest companionship is that the press has not turned its back on the stage in difficult times. At one point, the stage faced many challenges due to the competition of new types of entertainment, and then the epidemic that almost frozen all activities.
In that context, many press agencies still pay attention to the stage, reflecting the difficulties of artists, introducing the efforts to maintain the operation of art units. This information helps the public understand that behind the lights is a lot of sacrifice and perseverance of professionals.
Do you remember the periods when the media contributed to bringing audiences back to the stage?
- I remember very clearly after the COVID-19 epidemic, many theaters faced great pressure regarding the audience. When new plays were released, newspapers reported, introduced content, and published behind-the-scenes stories. That created curiosity and encouraged audiences to return to theaters.
Reality shows that a good article, a profound conversation about art sometimes has a very large spread. Audiences not only buy tickets out of curiosity but also because they feel the enthusiasm of artists through the information conveyed by the press.
Nowadays, artists can self-communicate through social networks. According to you, has the role of journalism changed?
- I think the role has changed but has not decreased at all. Social networks help artists reach the public faster and more proactively. However, the mainstream press still has a very important position because of its authenticity, professionalism and social responsibility.
A post on social networks can attract many interactions, but a seriously written article still has its own value. Journalism helps the public have a more comprehensive and objective view of an event or an artist.
In your opinion, how should artists face opposing articles?
- No one in the profession can avoid opposing opinions. The important thing is to know how to listen. If those are constructive suggestions, you should take them in to improve yourself.
As for inaccurate information, artists need to calmly exchange it in a spirit of mutual respect. I think anger or extreme reactions often do not bring positive results.
What does the entertainment press need to do now to maintain the trust of readers?
- In my opinion, the most important factor is still honesty and responsibility. In an era where information spreads very quickly, readers need reliable sources of information even more.
In addition to updating news, entertainment newspapers should also give more space to stories about professional values, positive contributions of artists and meaningful cultural activities for the community.
What do you want from the relationship between artists and the press in the future?
I hope this is always a relationship based on respect, understanding and companionship. Artists need the press to bring their works to the public, and the press also needs true stories from artistic life.
When both aim for positive values, the public will benefit the most.
You appear in many articles and interviews in Lao Dong Newspaper. What impressed you about the newspaper?
- What impressed me is that the approach to the problem is very close but still maintains depth. Reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper often spend time learning carefully about the characters and the story before writing an article.
I feel the seriousness and responsibility in my profession. That helps artists feel respected and willing to share more. Especially, I remember in 2024, I had the opportunity to chat in a talk show of Lao Dong Newspaper. I like the newspaper's new approach, helping artists comfortably chat.
What are your feelings during interviews with Lao Dong Newspaper?
- For me, conversations with Lao Dong Newspaper often take place in an open and sincere atmosphere. Many questions not only revolve around artistic activities but also explore perspectives on life, career and responsibility of artists.
What I cherish most is that after each article, I receive many positive feedbacks from the audience. That is also proof of the spread of journalism to cultural and artistic life.
On the occasion of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press Day June 21, I would like to send wishes for health, joy and much creative energy to all journalists. I hope that you will continue to keep the fire of the profession, accompany culture and art and bring readers valuable journalistic works.
Thank you for sharing!
