Artist of ancient opera Xuan Thu passed away

Artist Xuan Thu as Ngo Quoc Thai

Artist Cong Minh said that his youngest sister, artist Xuan Thu, took her last breath at 3:45 a.m. on December 18 at her home, after more than a month of diabetes treatment at Cho Ray Hospital.

"My brother had diabetes for many years, and recently he had symptoms of fatigue. Although he was sick, he always hid it from everyone, afraid to bother them. When his illness became serious and he was taken to Cho Ray Hospital for treatment, it was too critical. Last night, when he brought him home, he passed away at home. He was 67 years old" - Artist Cong Minh emotionally said.

Artist Xuan Thu's real name is Nguyen Thi Thu Nguyet, born in 1957 in Saigon, she is the youngest daughter of artist Minh To and Mrs. Bay Su.

Since childhood, she loved singing, joining Minh To children's troupe at the age of 4. Like her siblings, she had the desire to pursue a career in theater, so her father and sisters taught her every role.

She is the wife of artist Trung Cuoc (Huynh Long ancient opera troupe - who passed away during the COVID-19 pandemic - PV).

Artist Xuan Thu and Meritorious Artist Truong Son in the play "Liu Bei proposes to Jiang Zuo"

Artist Xuan Thu was trained in singing by People's Artist Thanh Tong. She has the same singing and acting skills as her two older sisters in the family, Xuan Yen and Thanh Loan.

Her acting skills were learned from the performances where she stood backstage watching her two sisters perform, giving her the confidence to take on roles on the Minh To stage.

She has performed in plays such as: "Phan Le Hue", "The poem on the saddle", "The Dai Viet poem", "Liu Bei proposes marriage to Jiang Zuo"...

In the early years of the country's reunification, the Minh To troupe organized reformed opera programs for children, led by artists Bach Le and Bach Luu.

She has been attached to this program, performing Vietnamese historical plays to serve children's audiences, including the outstanding play "Tran Quoc Toan goes to the army".

Artist Minh To's family gathered for a meaningful performance on May 1, 2021, artist Xuan Thu (middle) played the role of Ngo Quoc Thai

On May 1, 2021, Minh To's family's special performance at Sen Viet stage, she and her two sisters, artist Xuan Yen (mother of Meritorious Artist Trinh Trinh), artist Thanh Loan (mother of Meritorious Artist Tu Suong) performed the role of Ngo Quoc Thai in the play "Liu Bei proposes to Jiang Zuo" organized by artist Cong Minh.

"Now looking back at the pictures, I miss my sister so much. She was devoted all her life, loved her job, was content with her lot, didn't compete, only knew how to live with the theater troupe, took care of her siblings and grandchildren, and considered family as her happiness" - artist Cong Minh shared when talking about artist Xuan Thu.

Artist Xuan Thu was also a close niece of the late artist Huynh Mai (younger sister of artist Minh To, mother of Meritorious Artist Thanh Loc). During the last years of her life, she went to her aunt's house every day to take care of her.

Hardworking and resourceful, she also helps her grandchildren in each performance, taking care of costumes and props.

Her passing left much grief for fellow artists and audiences who have always had special affection for the family of classical opera artist Minh To.

The funeral of artist Xuan Thu was held at An Quang Pagoda (243 Su Van Hanh, Ward 9, District 10, HCMC).

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nghe-si-tuong-co-xuan-thu-qua-doi-196231218065955128.htm