Thu Huyen received the official appointment from the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports on 11/9. Fellow artists like Quoc Anh, Minh Vuong, and Lan Huong congratulated her on the theater's fanpage. Accepting the new role, Huyen expressed both honor and the pressure that comes with it, calling it a turning point in her career.

Thu Huyen with her husband, singer Tan Minh, at the appointment ceremony. Photo: Provided by the artist

Thu Huyen with her husband, singer Tan Minh, at the appointment ceremony. Photo: Provided by the artist

Huyen served as the theater's deputy artistic director starting in 2017. In 2022, she replaced Quoc Anh as the deputy director. During more than two years in leadership, Huyen experienced moments of doubt and difficulty, wondering if she was capable of handling the responsibility. However, the trust and encouragement from her colleagues helped her persevere.

Thu Huyen as Thi Mau, a role praised for her successful portrayal of the character's flirtatious nature. Photo: Provided by the artist

Thu Huyen as Thi Mau, a role praised for her successful portrayal of the character's flirtatious nature. Photo: Provided by the artist

Born in 1975 in Hanoi, Huyen's love for Cheo (traditional Vietnamese opera) began in her childhood. At 14, she auditioned for the Hanoi Cheo Theater when they opened enrollment. Despite her instinctive acting style, she was accepted into the intermediate program due to her promising appearance and voice. After a few months of probationary study, she received intensive training in Cheo, dance, and performance.

At 16, she rose to fame playing Thi Mau in the play Quan Am Thi Kinh, winning a special prize at the Hanoi Young Stage Talent competition. This iconic role defined over 20 years of Huyen's career, leaving a strong impression on audiences. Besides roles in Cheo plays like Truong Vien, Kieu, and Dieu Con Lai, she is also beloved for her performances of Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs such as Xe Chi Luon Kim, Vao Chua, Di Cay, and Hoa Thom Buom Luon.

Thu Huyen in the Cheo excerpt "Thi Mau Len Chua". Video: YouTube Folk Arts

In 2007, at just 32, Huyen was exceptionally awarded the title of Meritorious Artist after only 13 years in the profession. The standard for this title typically requires a minimum of 15 years of experience in addition to earned medals. She became one of the youngest female artists in Vietnam to receive this honor.

Huyen is also admired for her happy marriage to Tan Minh, the current director of the Thang Long Song, Dance, and Music Theater. In March of last year, both artists received the title of People's Artist on the same day.

Artist Thu Huyen supporting the "Dao Lieu" performance by the Nha Tre group (Dinh Tien Dat, Tien Luat, Rhymastic, Quoc Thien, Binz, Ha Le, Duy Khanh) in the program "Anh Trai Vuot Ngan Chong Gai". Video: YouTube Yeah1 Music

Phuong Linh