On Vietnamese Family Day (June 28), sharing with Lao Dong Newspaper, People's Artist Trung Anh had warm, simple confidences about marital affection and philosophy of raising children to become talented.
He once shared that he can wholeheartedly dedicate himself to art thanks to a solid rear. Looking back at the past journey, if there is anything he wants to share about his partner, what would he say about her?
- Honestly, I am here today thanks to my family, especially my wife. Right from the time I got married, I frankly shared with my wife that I pursued this profession without many advantages in terms of both appearance and expertise, so if I were not highly focused, it would be difficult to survive. My wife remembers that saying and for many years, she has put all her heart into taking care of housework, finances and children's education so that I am not burdened. There are times when I look back, when thinking about my wife, I feel somewhat selfish when I let my wife shoulder too much, both taking care of meals and busily taking my children to study further from place to place. Her understanding and silent sacrifice is the biggest support that helps me live fully with my passion for acting.
It is known that both of your children have very good academic achievements abroad. Can you share about your family's education method so that your children can be oriented to success as they are now?
- I think that result largely comes from the efforts, a bit of luck of the children and the close companionship of my wife, but I myself have no big secrets. My husband and I's parenting point of view is to respect the freedom of development and let the children find their own direction.
We have never imposed or forced our children to study this or that major. When children need extra classes, parents will support them in finding teachers. When it comes to choosing a school, we only learn information to orient, analyze the pros and cons, and the final decision always belongs to the children.
From my professional experience, I realized that only when we can do what we really love can we do well. Therefore, the only thing we try to do is create a comfortable space for the children to position themselves.
In 2021, he decided to retire under the regime after decades of attachment to the Vietnam Drama Theater. Does his retirement life seem to be busier again?
- My life is just a "change of status". In the past, when I was working at the Vietnam National Drama Theatre, my mind was always concerned about the stage. Although television audiences know me best through movies, my roots are still people who were trained from the "saint hall" of spoken drama.
At that time, despite receiving many film invitations, I always prioritized the theater's work first. When I retired and was no longer burdened with work schedules, I comfortably chose scripts. That is why in recent years audiences see me appearing more in TV series.
TV series today record the breakthrough of many veteran artists from the stage. According to you, what is the biggest advantage of a drama actor when stepping into the small screen?
- Artists in large theaters are all professional actors, well-trained, and well-educated. Especially with theater, if you are not educated, you cannot perform, that is certain. In the North, almost no amateur actors can step onto the stage of professional theaters.
Playing is much harder than making a film because it is direct interaction, "living" with the audience in every moment. The audience's reaction in the stands immediately affects the actor's acting. Absolute silence or a whisper can make a immature person worried, but it is a catalyst that helps veterans sublimate.
When standing on stage, the artist has been tempered in both bravery and technique over the years. When making films, we bring that professional thinking with the ability to analyze scripts carefully, deeply dissect psychology, build multi-dimensional character personalities. The ability to transform flexibly to create clear differences between role types, not being stereotyped. Moderation in acting to know where to release energy, where to restrain to create depth for the frame.
Speaking of the Vietnam National Drama Theatre, he always has a special respect. What is the significance of this place throughout his 30-year career?
- Not only me, our generation all proudly calls the Vietnam Drama Theater "Red Big Brother Theater". This is the first cradle of spoken drama established in the Viet Bac war zone.
I was fortunate to learn the profession directly at the theater, guided by veteran names of the golden generation such as: People's Artist Trong Khoi, People's Artist Doan Dung, People's Artist The Anh.
In this profession, not just being famous is good, and not just being good is famous. But the aunts and uncles are great artistic examples, always transmitting the burning fire of the profession to the next generation. There were times when I felt inferior to my friends, once wanted to give up, but every time I watched the aunts and uncles perform, I had more motivation to continue to embark.
More than 30 years attached to the theater, what was the most challenging and memorable time for you?
- That was the milestone in 1982. Just 8 days after graduating from school, I and some classmates received orders to enlist. At that time, the theater had no precedent of actors going to the army, but we accepted to go because of the duty of a citizen. Two years in the border, material things were extremely scarce and arduous, but the spirit of twenty-year-old boys was not afraid. The only thing missing was the desire to stand under the spotlight.
There is a memory I will never forget is in 1983, when we were stationed near Mong Cai, People's Artist Bach Diep made a film about the war. She sent the late artist Lam Toi to go all the way to the border unit to ask for me, Mr. Trong Trinh, Mr. Do Ky and Mr. Quoc Khanh to return to Hue to film for 3 months. Thanks to the persistence of Mr. Lam Toi with a license from superiors, the 4 of us had 3 months of happiness, both working and learning from seniors such as: People's Artist Tra Giang, People's Artist The Anh, Meritorious Artist Ha Van Trong.
