Artist Thanh Hang takes on the role of judge in the program Cai Luong Academy organized by People's Artist Bach Tuyet.

At the program, she had the opportunity to tell about Tet holiday memories and memories associated with the late artist Vu Linh.

According to Thanh Hang, in the 1980s, she followed provincial opera troupes. She was moved and emotional when recalling the memories of celebrating Tet with the audience.

“At that time, audiences came to see us 3-4 times a day. During Tet, everyone was wary of strangers coming to their homes, but the audience was very kind. If any artist in the troupe did not have a place to sleep, they could ask to stay at a local’s house. They would reserve a place for the artist to rest.

After I finish singing on New Year's Eve, I will go back to the audience's house to celebrate New Year's Eve. On the first and second day, I celebrate Tet with the host, then go back to the troupe," Thanh Hang said.

The artist said he was happy when he saw the houses on both sides of the road were decorated splendidly. “Normally, people only get to enjoy New Year’s Eve with their own family. But we, the artists, get to experience it with many families,” the artist joked.

From 1976 to 1986, artist Thanh Hang followed 3 troupes in Vinh Long province, then went to 3 troupes in Hau Giang. In 1982, she won the A1 prize at the national festival, then had the opportunity to meet Meritorious Artist Vu Linh.

In 1984-1985, artist Thanh Hang followed the Hong Nhung reformed opera troupe of Meritorious Artist Vu Linh, operating in Lam Dong province.

“On the morning of the first day, we prepared to sing the play The Legend of Love. I also prepared a pot of braised pork and pickled cucumbers. I cooked to suit Vu Linh’s taste. I said that after the performance, I would serve it for everyone to eat together.

When I was in makeup, Vu Linh said he was tired of eating braised pork and wanted to eat pork leg stewed in coconut water. We performed 3 shows a day so we were very tired. At that time, we couldn't find pork leg. But the audience really loved the artists. At that time, there were audience members who asked to go backstage to meet and chat.

The audience skipped that performance and went to the market to buy the best pork leg that Vu Linh wanted. I took the coconut water from the offering tray on New Year's Eve before. After the first performance, I cooked it right away, so after the second performance, there was enough for Linh to eat," said artist Thanh Hang.

During her time working with the Hong Nhung troupe, artist Thanh Hang had problems with her family. After that, she left the troupe to return to her relatives' house and went to sing as a backup for artist Phuong Binh's troupe.

“I sang in Tam Vu, Long An in the morning. I was sitting and studying a play to prepare for the evening performance when I saw a motorbike coming. It turned out that Vu Linh had come all the way from Lam Dong to find me. He told me to arrange to return to the troupe. There were many happy and sad memories between us. When I think back, I only love each other more,” artist Thanh Hang emotionally recalled.

Ngoc Thanh