Boquet: People's Artist Kim Cuong (left). — VNS File Photo

HCM CITY — After more than 40 years in theatre, People's Artist Kim Cuong has performed in several hundreds of plays and recorded albums praising Vietnamese culture and lifestyle in both traditional and modern styles.

"I've gained many valuable things from performing. If theatre is water, then I'm a little fish swimming in it," Cuong said in a recent interview with HCM City-based Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. "Take me away from the stage and I'm nothing."

Born in 1937 in a traditional family in then-Sai Gon (now HCM City), Cuong fell in love with cai luong (reformed opera) through her mother, the late talented performer Bay Nam, head of Dai Phuoc Cuong Troupe, one of the region's prestigious cai luong troupes.

She began her professional career when she was 17 and later performed with actors such as Nam Phi, Phung Ha, Bich Thuan and Chin Bia, all of whom are recognised as some of the most talented cai luong performers in the country.

Cuong has played the leading role in famous plays, including Giai Nhan Va Ac Quy (The Beauty and Beast).

In the 1960s, Cuong decided to perform in drama, a modern imported genre of theatre, after learning the art.

She opened Kim Cuong Drama Troupe, managing a staff of 70, including a skilled group of performers, including Tu Trinh, Kieu Phuong Loan and Van Hung.

To perfect her troupe's shows, Cuong learned scriptwriting.

Her troupe offered dozens of quality plays on the topics of love, family and social problems, including La Sau Rieng (Durian Leaf) and Duoi Hai Mau Ao (Two Sides of Clothes), both of which were written by Cuong and staged many times.

Vietnamese drama exists in two style, from the north and the south. Each style requires specific performance skills.

Cuong and her performers worked hard to highlight the culture and lifestyle of southern people. They made drama popular, even among cai luong fans.

After 1975, Cuong's troupe continued to travel around the region and offered her plays including Bong Hong Cai Ao (A Rose for Mother) and Toi Lam Me (I'm A Mother).

She wrote 50 plays during her career, most about poor women.

Through her works, Cuong has found ways to win the hearts of audiences, both old and young, particularly fans in remote areas who enjoy theatre via TV or radio.

"A theatre artist can perform well without thinking of money and glory," said Cuong.

For her contribution to developing the country's theatre, Cuong received the honour People's Artist from the Government last month.

In recent years, Cuong has been involved in charity. She is the deputy chairwoman of the HCM City Association in Support of Disabled People and Orphan Children.

"My love for theatre keeps me healthy," the 75-year-old performer said. — VNS