At the ceremony held at the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Tu Long presented his thesis on "Artistic characteristics of the Army Cheo Theater". Professor, Doctor Dao Manh Hung and Doctor Tran Thi Minh Thu co-supervised the research. The thesis evaluation council was chaired by Associate Professor, Doctor Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong, Director of the Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, and Tourism.

Artist Tu Long presents his doctoral thesis. Photo: La Luong.

According to the Institute, the Army Cheo Theater has faced new demands in recent years. These include maintaining traditional identity while innovating performance styles to suit the military environment and contemporary audiences. Many cheo plays and roles, bearing the distinct mark of "soldier's cheo", have been staged and widely performed but lacked artistic synthesis and systematization. This situation risks diluting the theater's unique identity amid generational shifts and competition from new forms of entertainment. Addressing this reality, an in-depth study on the artistic characteristics of the unit was necessary to provide a scientific basis for creative work, staging, training, management, and promotion.

The thesis evaluation council noted that Tu Long's topic contributes to systematizing theoretical issues related to the Army Cheo Theater's artistic characteristics. It also proposes development directions for the unit within the context of globalization and international integration. The thesis results will provide artists with valuable experience and renewed understanding for creation, staging, and performance.

The main content of the thesis comprises three chapters: an overview of research, theoretical and practical foundations; identifying the characteristics of the content and artistic forms of the Army Cheo Theater; and the artistic contributions of the Army Cheo Theater and issues of preservation and promotion in the contemporary context. Following his summary presentation and responses to questions from the thesis evaluation council, the artist received 100% of votes for the recognition of his degree.

Tu Long poses with his professors. Photo: La Luong.

Tu Long's family and close friends also attended the event. Minh Nguyet, Tu Long's wife, stated that this milestone marks a "proud, noteworthy journey," concluding his dedicated research efforts.

"Congratulations to the Army Cheo Theater on having its first doctor with a significant and highly contributory thesis, as well as a tribute to the soldier's cheo stage, and the soldier-artist," she wrote.

According to Director of Performing Arts Xuan Bac, he and Tu Long are part of a group of five friends. Though each pursues a different profession, they share mutual affection and respect. Witnessing his friend's new achievement, Xuan Bac expressed his pride, considering it an honor for himself as well.

Tu Long's parents, Tu Lam and Minh Phuc, are folk artists who were both awarded the title of Meritorious Artist by the State. In 1998, he graduated and joined the General Department of Logistics Cheo Troupe, the former name of the Army Cheo Theater, starting his career with small roles.

Beyond the stage, the actor gained fame through sketches in the programs Gap nhau cuoi tuan and Tao quan - Gap nhau cuoi nam. He was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2012 and People's Artist in 2015. Last year, Tu Long attracted attention by participating in Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai, a singing show for 33 male artists from various fields in showbiz. Later this year, he will play a role in the film Ho linh trang si: Bi an mo vua Dinh, a cinema project by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh, with Johnny Tri Nguyen as the martial arts director.

Phuong Linh