On September 4, the theater arts community across the country was shocked to hear that People's Artist - Director Pham Thi Thanh had breathed her last at her home, at the age of 85.
The torchbearer
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh was born on September 24, 1941, in a family with a rich tradition of culture and education. Her father, Pham Khac Hoe, was a historical figure who played an important role in persuading King Bao Dai to abdicate in 1945 and was highly trusted by President Ho Chi Minh . Her mother, the second wife of Pham Khac Hoe, was the younger sister of poet Ung Binh Thuc Da Thi, granddaughter of poet Mien Tham, great-granddaughter of King Minh Mang...
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh inherited her father's love of literature and her mother's sweet Hue singing voice, so from a very early age, art became the breath of her life. At the age of 16, while still traveling with the art troupe, young Pham Thi Thanh's heart was pounding with love for People's Artist Dao Mong Long - who was nearly 30 years older than her. This relationship left a mark on her personal life, contributing to nurturing her soul to be more passionate about art.
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh
In 1970, Ms. Pham Thi Thanh was sent by the government to study stage directing in the Soviet Union. After 7 years of studying, returning to Vietnam, she and director Ha Nhan devoted themselves to writing a project to establish the Youth Theatre. In 1987, the project was approved, opening a new era for Vietnamese drama.
In the first recruitment rounds of the Youth Theatre, from more than 1,200 candidates, Ms. Pham Thi Thanh selected 20 young faces. People's Artist Tran Minh Ngoc recalled: "That training course produced famous artists, who were associated with and created the brand of the Youth Theatre: People's Artist Lan Huong, People's Artist Le Khanh, People's Artist Anh Tu, People's Artist Minh Hang, Meritorious Artist Chi Trung, Meritorious Artist Ngoc Huyen, Meritorious Artist Duc Hai... They all considered People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh as a teacher, a sister, a person who inspired them".
Brilliant mark
Throughout her career, People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh has directed more than 200 plays, of which nearly 20 won gold medals and many were awarded silver medals.
Not only does she write scripts, People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh also participates in organizing and directing the art of major festivals of the country and locality: 990 years of Thang Long - Hanoi , 330 years of Khanh Hoa, 100 years of Da Lat, Hue Festival... Even when she turned 60, she was still sought after by many art units to carry out key programs, affirming her reputation and tireless creativity.
Not only a talented director, People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh is also a dedicated cultural manager. In her assigned positions such as: Director of the Youth Theater, Deputy Director of the Department of Performing Arts, Deputy Director of the Center for Research, Preservation and Promotion of National Culture, Vice President of the Hanoi Literature and Arts Association... until her retirement, she always sought to open new paths for the stage.
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh is the one who wrote the project to put school theater into operation. She advocated teaching traditional arts such as Cheo, Tuong, Cai Luong... to students, so that they could understand and love national art more. She also brought Vietnamese theater art to the world through the International Association of Theater for Children and Youth (ASSITEJ), and served as President of ASSITEJ Vietnam; brought artists to all five continents to learn and promote the quintessence of theater.
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh once went to Ho Chi Minh City to stage many famous works such as "Innocent Heart" (IDECAF Stage), "Golden Stick" (Hong Van Drama Stage)... Those plays are still remembered as proof of her admirable creativity.
For People's Artist Le Khanh, People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh is like a teacher, a second mother. "She not only teaches us a profession but also teaches us how to live and behave. She instills in us the belief that theater is not only a profession, but also a mission" - People's Artist Le Khanh recalled.
For People's Artist Kim Cuong, People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh is a colleague whom she greatly respects. She emphasized: "She left her mark not only in the North but also on the Southern stage. To me, she is a symbol of perseverance, dedication and total dedication to the profession."
Meanwhile, Meritorious Artist Ca Le Hong expressed: "I always appreciate her sharpness and courage. She has contributed to shaping the face of contemporary Vietnamese theater. People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh's passing is a great loss, but what she left behind will continue to enlighten many generations of directors to come."
People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh devoted her entire life to the stage, leaving behind not only classic plays but also a generation of artists bearing her mark. In 2012, she was awarded the State Prize for Literature and Arts. People's Artist Pham Thi Thanh's passing has closed a major chapter in Vietnam's contemporary stage, but her legacy will last forever.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/nsnd-pham-thi-thanh-yeu-nghe-den-cung-tan-19625090420485028.htm
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