For many generations of audiences, Tao Quan is not only a New Year's Eve laugh but also a special memory for many generations of audiences, where social issues are reflected through satirical and humorous lenses. Contributing to creating that mark are elaborate, iconic stage costumes, performed by Meritorious Artist, designer Duc Hung for many years.
Sharing with Lao Dong reporters about the fate of coming to Tao Quan, artist Duc Hung said that he still had the wonderful feeling when being invited to participate in a program he loved. Right from the first time director Do Thanh Hai invited him to take on the design of costumes, he agreed without hesitation.
According to Meritorious Artist Duc Hung, one of the interesting things about Tao Quan is that the audience not only follows the script or dialogue, but is also particularly curious about the costumes of the characters: "Many people still discuss what Bac Dau will wear this year, how the Taos will appear".
Mentioning the backstage, Meritorious Artist Duc Hung recounted many funny memories associated with the designs that once attracted attention.
One year, close to filming time, director Do Thanh Hai suddenly suggested changing costumes, while there were only about 15 minutes left before the program aired. “At that time, I had to use all my ability to edit and change costumes for the three characters. With trust and understanding of the characters, I and the director completed changing costumes for the three characters. And when it was filmed, that plan received a lot of positive feedback from the audience,” he shared.
For him, each costume is not just costume, but also a part of the character, contributing a unique voice to the overall story of Tao Quan.
Meritorious Artist, designer Duc Hung said that he especially appreciates programs celebrating the 10th and 20th anniversary of Tao Quan.
Those are the occasions when he not only stands behind the scenes, but also plays a small role on stage, and then unexpectedly receives attention and affection from the audience.
When the information that Tao Quan this year is temporarily suspended was announced, Meritorious Artist Duc Hung said he was not too worried. According to him, Tao Quan is just a temporary suspension, not the end. “For audiences across the country, Tao Quan has become a familiar spiritual dish every Tet occasion. Some people even compare that without Tao Quan, Tet is like lacking an aftertaste,” he shared.
Speaking about the work of designing costumes for Tao Quan, designer Duc Hung likened himself to "a fish released into the ocean". He said that each Tao Quan season is an opportunity to do his best, freely create, without pressure or binding.
Tao Quan is an indispensable part of my artistic path in general and fashion design in particular. When participating in the program, I truly became a member of the Tao Quan extended family," Meritorious Artist, designer Duc Hung shared.
It is this spirit of attachment that has contributed to creating costumes that not only bring laughter, but also become unforgettable visual memories in the hearts of audiences every Tet and spring.
