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Tin discusses a Tuong play with artist Manh Ho. Photo H.T |
Impresario Truong Van Tin who was in charge Kon River Tuong (classical drama) troupe wins the respect of many artists. He earned a good reputation as a Tuong adorer because he has spent more than 30 years preserving the traditional art.
Giving up the job as a contractor
He was born in Vinh Thanh district. Tin was lulled by melodies of bai choi and Tuong when he was a child. At the age of 18, he could sing many folk songs beautifully.
Tin then followed a troupe to learn Tuong and bai choi for seven years, but he wasn’t become an artist. When Kon River Tuong troupe was set up, the 50-year-old man was assigned to be in charge of the troupe.
However, the troupe only operated for several years because many artists gave up their jobs to get married. Tin still played a role as an impresario of the troupe at that time and began to seek new artists for the troupe.
“I mainly worked as a construction contractor at that time and my job was going smoothly,” he said. “But I gave up my job to focus on the troupe because I love Tuong very much.”
There was no artist in Vinh Thanh; thus, Tin went to other districts to find new ones and he succeeded in inviting 20 artists and musicians to join the troupe.
Devoting the whole life to Tuong
“Being an impresario is not simple; only insiders know how tough it is,” Tin said. “A good impresario requires not only great enthusiasm but knowledge of Tuong.”
Among amateur troupes in Binh Dinh, the Kon River Tuong troupe is now the oldest one with more than 30 years of operation. It always won high prizes when joining the province’s annual amateur traditional stage festival.
He always devoted all he has to the troupe, encouraging its members to try their best to improve the troupe, said artist Manh Ho. Thanks to his enthusiasm, our troupe is stably operating. The troupe is frequently invited to perform in many localities.
In 1998, when bai choi club was established, Tin was invited to take the role as deputy head of the club. He had to, therefore, go everywhere to seek contracts for the club since then.
“I went to many districts and provinces to prepare performances for the club,” he said. “During the rainy season the club’s artists came to perform in districts where there are the locals loving bai choi.”
Tin was awarded a campaign medal for his achievements in preserving traditional arts several years ago. He is now 81 and decided to entrust the role as impresario to artist Manh Ho.
“I’m happy when devoting my life to traditional arts, but I should stop now to help the young generation show their efforts in preserving the traditional arts.” Tin said.
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