He performed in "Mot Moi Tinh" (directed by Minh Nhat) at the opening night of the Moi Theatre. When the production team released the poster in July, Hoai Linh garnered attention for his return to dramatic theater after three years, since the play "Lac Giua Bien Nguoi" (2022).
Hoai Linh plays Mr. Hai Nhan, who witnesses a star-crossed love story in the Mekong Delta. Ai, Mr. Hai's daughter (Thuy Trang), abandons Trong (Quach Ngoc Tuyen) and moves to the city with another man, leaving Trong heartbroken. Meanwhile, Ut Lanh (Huynh Bao Ngoc) harbors unrequited love for Trong, but he remains emotionally closed off.
The actor received enthusiastic applause from his first appearance. Mr. Hai's simple, rustic appearance, with his traditional attire and unhurried gait, resonated with the audience. Outwardly, the character appears strict with the young people in the village, but beneath the surface lies warmth and compassion.
Despite playing a supporting role, Hoai Linh serves as the play's anchor, connecting the storyline and guiding the younger actors. In the first half, he showcases his comedic talent, bringing levity after tense moments. He elicits laughter when Mr. Hai teases Sang (Hoang Phi), a young man pursuing Ut Lanh, with lines like, "It's my house, you don't need my permission to sit down".
At times, the actor exhibits his playful wordplay alongside Cat Phuong, who plays the gossipy matchmaker. His physical comedy is also effectively employed, such as when Mr. Hai pretends to be injured so his children will rush home after a year's absence.
The second half delves deeper into the character's emotional complexities. He is heartbroken that Ut Lanh, whom he raised from childhood and considers his own daughter, refuses to marry because of her love for Trong. Hoai Linh poignantly portrays the tragedy of a father who "doesn't know how to teach his children" when Ai returns to visit Trong after more than 10 years. The scene where Mr. Hai weeps before the ancestral altar, admitting his failure, moved many to tears.
The original story is told from the perspective of Ut Lanh, a Cai Luong (Southern Vietnamese opera) actress. She secretly loves Trong, an orphan who has worked hard since childhood, but he marries her older sister, Ai. After more than 10 years of marriage and a son named Bau, Ai leaves Trong to raise their child alone. The play retains the spirit and message of the original story, with some changes to characters and plot points, such as the introduction of a group of young people in the village and a different climax.
After the three-hour performance, Hoai Linh expressed his happiness that hundreds of audience members stayed until the very end. On behalf of the theater, he thanked those who supported the opening night. "There are bound to be some mistakes on the first night, so we hope you will forgive us and continue to support the artists, giving us further motivation," he said.
Director Minh Nhat said he first collaborated with Hoai Linh in 2018 on the play "Hiu Hiu Gio Bac," which was entered in the National Professional Drama Festival. Despite being a new director at the time, Hoai Linh agreed to participate to encourage the younger generation's passion for theater. Since then, Hoai Linh has appeared in several of Minh Nhat's works.
At Moi Theatre, Minh Nhat and his team are investing in family dramas rich in literary value, alongside mystery and musical productions. Although the venue is located far from the city center (Pham Ngu Lao Street, Hanh Thong Ward), the director says it is equipped with all the necessary equipment, including lighting systems and a lifting platform. The theater will soon premiere two new plays: "Xom Tro Lam Tro" (co-directed by Hoai Linh) and "Bong Ma Nha Hat Le Hoa".
In recent years, Hoai Linh has limited his appearances on game shows and only occasionally acts in films made by acquaintances. The actor believes in taking on supporting roles because "one cannot always play the lead." Last year, he enrolled in a directing class led by artist Tran Ngoc Giau to share his knowledge with younger actors. He is set to reprise his role in the film "Lam Giau Voi Ma Part two," which is scheduled for release during the 2/9 holiday.
Hoai Linh, 56, originally from Quang Nam, rose to fame overseas in the 1990s performing comedy with Van Son. In the early 2000s, he returned to Vietnam. Besides acting, he has served as a judge on numerous game shows and starred in popular films like "Nu Hon Than Chet," "Nha Co 5 Nang Tien," and "Hello Co Ba."
In 2021, the actor was embroiled in a controversy over delayed disbursement of charitable donations for central Vietnam. By December of the same year, Ho Chi Minh City police confirmed that Hoai Linh had not committed any crime. Last year, he returned to the big screen with "Lam Giau Voi Ma" (directed by Trung Lun). The film earned 128 billion VND, his highest-grossing film to date.
Mai Nhat
