Huynh Long Artists Group commemorates the late artist and composer Bach Mai

(NLDO) - She left the stage 4 years ago, but every death anniversary, artists gather to remember her contributions to the traditional opera stage.

Artists offer incense on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

On the afternoon of September 9, many artists from the Huynh Long family and their colleagues gathered at Tuong Nguyen Pagoda (HCMC) to burn incense in memory of the late artist and composer Bach Mai on the 4th anniversary of her passing.

In the solemn atmosphere, the prayers for the dead blended with the haunting sound of the ancient opera, recalling the image of a "female commander" of the ancient opera stage who devoted her whole life to art.

Bach Mai - From 15 year old singer to 20 year old female composer

Her real name is Nguyen Ngoc Mai, born in 1948 in the family of the Thanh Binh - Kim Mai troupe leader. Bach Mai was trained in singing by her parents at an early age. At the age of 15, she unexpectedly replaced the main actress in the play Manh Le Quan in Tien Giang , causing a big stir. Since then, the stage name Kim Mai has been associated with the image of a "young and talented" young actress of the Huynh Long troupe.

Artists Binh Tinh and Ngan Tuan on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

At the age of 20, she changed her writing direction and immediately made her mark with the play Luu Kim Dinh Giai Gia Tho Chau. In the following years, hundreds of scripts under the pen names Bach Mai, Kim Mai, Ngoc Mai, Thanh Truc... were published one after another, enriching the treasure trove of Southern Vietnamese classical drama. The script "Xu an Phi Giao" made Meritorious Artist Ngoc Huyen's name shine, and was considered by the profession as the pinnacle of her talent as a screenwriter.

Bach Mai, "The Queen" of the Huynh Long family

If People's Artist Thanh Tong in Minh To is considered the "leader", then Bach Mai is the "female commander" of Huynh Long. She dominates all four roles: troupe leader, playwright, director and actress.

Meritorious Artist Kim Tieu Long and Kim Tu Long on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

People's Artist Kim Cuong commented: "Bach Mai uses the technique of exploiting character actions, so her plays are always bustling and exciting. But when it comes to the inner feelings, they are full of emotions. Her students have won countless Tran Huu Trang Gold Medals."

Bach Mai's style is also expressed in music , choreography and costumes. Meritorious Artist Kim Tu Long emphasized: "Just by listening to the music, looking at the costumes and performance, the audience will immediately recognize the mark and style of artist Bach Mai. I learned a lot of valuable experiences from her to apply to my career later."

Artist Trong Nhan and Bich Hanh on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

Bach Mai has a life of ups and downs but is brilliant.

Artist Bach Mai's life had many ups and downs. She was heartbroken when her son, artist Chinh Nhan, passed away, and for many years as a troupe leader, she encountered many difficulties when the shows were empty and the audience was low. Finally, she passed away quietly in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. She did not have a funeral with all her colleagues, but it has been 4 years now. Every year on her death anniversary, all the artists gather to burn incense in memory.

Artist Binh Tinh always remembers the merits of her mother - composer and artist Bach Mai

Artist Ngan Tuan expressed: "Our generation is deeply influenced by her scripts. Her love for the profession is an example."

People's Artist Huu Quoc choked up: "Artist and playwright Bach Mai has pioneered a dramatic staging style for the art of traditional opera, making it difficult for audiences to take their eyes off her plays, and she has created the Huynh Long brand that is loved by the public today."

Playwright Hoang Song Viet acknowledged: "Ms. Bach Mai left behind many valuable cai luong scripts, many of which are still alive today."

People's Artist Huu Quoc, artist Hong Sap and singer Nhat Minh on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

Veteran artist Hong Sap recalls: "In the past, wherever I went, I heard people mention Huynh Long's plays, whose soul was Bach Mai." Meritorious Artist Kim Tieu Long affirms: "Without her plays, many generations of young artists like us would hardly have had the opportunity to shine. Fortunately, artist Binh Tinh has now taken over and continues to steer this troupe, selling out every time it opens."

From left to right: Artist Kim Ngan, child actress Bella, Artist Binh Tinh and director Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha on the 4th death anniversary of the late composer and artist Bach Mai

Last wish extended by kindness

On the occasion of his mother's death anniversary, artist Binh Tinh, on behalf of his family, presented 200 gifts to poor artists and stage workers in difficult circumstances at Dinh Nhon Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City.

This is the work that artist Binh Tinh has persistently maintained for the past four years following her mother's last wish, as a way to extend the talented artist's kindness. Four years have passed, but the image of "Manh Le Quan" from years ago is still deeply imprinted in the hearts of cai luong lovers.

"The late artist and playwright Bach Mai has quietly passed away, but her art and personality will live forever on the traditional theater stage" - Meritorious Artist Hoa Ha said.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nghe-si-doan-huynh-long-tuong-nho-co-nghe-si-soan-gia-bach-mai-196250909132514814.htm