The team introduced the character designs for the three main actors in the play: Le Phuong, Luong The Thanh, and Van Trang. Thanh Loc developed the script from the original work "Sau bong hau truong" by playwright Nguyen Thanh Chau, also known as Nam Chau. In the 1960s, the work gained fame as the cai luong play "San khau ve khuya", starring artist Thanh Nga.

Thanh Loc stated that he chose to stage the play as a tribute to Nam Chau and the generations of artists and authors dedicated to their craft. "They left behind not just works, but also the spirit of professionalism and faith in the value of theater," he said.

The play is set during a transitional period for theater decades ago, focusing on a famous married couple who owned a theater troupe. Giang Huong (Le Phuong) is a sharp, skilled actress. Linh Nam (Luong The Thanh) is a talented playwright and stage director. They worked together for 20 years, achieving many successes and earning public admiration.

As times changed, audiences favored newer, more diverse genres. Giang Huong and Linh Nam clashed when they had to choose a new direction for their troupe. The appearance of actress My Tien (Van Trang) escalated the conflict among the characters. The play also features artists Huu Chau, Kim Xuan, Huong Giang, and Truong Ha in supporting roles.

Thanh Loc opened his namesake theater after Thien Dang closed in early August, concluding three years of operation. The stage attracts many veteran and young actors, most of whom have collaborated with Thanh Loc for many years. He serves as artistic director, while artist Tuan Khoi – Thanh Loc's former colleague at Idecaf – is the executive director. The theater is located at Ben Thanh Theater in TP HCM, with a seating capacity of over 1,000.

Artists Thanh Loc and Tuan Khoi collaborate in new roles. *Photo: Provided by the unit*

Thanh Loc, 65, was born into a family with a strong artistic tradition. His father is People's Artist Thanh Ton, and his mother is hat boi artist Huynh Mai. In 1997, he collaborated with the Idecaf theater, founded by manager Huynh Anh Tuan, with premises leased at the French Cultural Exchange Institute. He was the lead actor and artistic director of the theater. He contributed to the success of a series of plays including "Da co hoai lang", "Cau dong", "Ngoi nha khong co dan ong", "Hop dong manh thu", "Tam Cam", and the children's play series "Ngay xua ngay xua".

The artist also appeared in television dramas and films such as "Mui ngo gai", "Chang trai nam ay", "Tam Cam chuyen chua ke", "Ngoi nha buom buom", "Cong tu Bac Lieu", and served as a judge for Vietnam Got's Talent 2012. In 5/2023, after 26 years of collaboration, Thanh Loc left Idecaf due to "differing views".

Mai Nhat