PASSING ON KNOWLEDGE - Young actors are encouraged to take part in performance skills courses launched by People’s Artist Việt Anh, who has 40 years of experience in drama. Photo courtesy of the artist

HCM CITY — Young artists are being encouraged to hone their performance skills in classes taught by Việt Anh, a veteran drama actor-director of HCM City.

Anh has worked with Vian Academy, a private entertainment and arts centre, to offer training courses for young graduates of art schools and those who are working for drama troupes and theatres.

The courses are taught by professional artists including Anh, theatre director Lê Ngọc Tưởng and choreographer Lương Nhựt Tiến, as well as movie director-producer Dương Quang Hùng.

“Drama involves using not only an actor's voice and body, but also emotions and creativity. Therefore, studying drama is demanding, and success only comes from hard work,” said Anh, who has 40 years of experience and the title "People’s Artist".

“Drama is a basis for a career not only in theatre, but in the film industry, communication and event planning, and even in advertising.”

“Learning drama gives young people a deep understanding of themselves,” he added.

The participants of Anh’s courses will study singing, music and dance before being trained at different performance levels.

They will be trained in traditional art forms including cải lương in the south, chèo (traditional opera) in the north and tuồng (classic drama) in the centre.

They will also get opportunities to perform in dramas and comedies at private and state-owned theatres.

“Studying in the school is not enough for young drama performers to properly know the art. So I decided to offer courses to help them improve their performance skills,” said Anh, adding that his training would also help young participants learn more about the country’s culture and lifestyle.

Anh began his career in 1986 after graduating in drama from the HCM City College of Culture & Arts (now HCM City University of Culture & Arts).

He was among the artists who opened and worked for the 5B Small Theatre in 1985, the first and leading private theatre in the city.

He has performed in several hundred plays and TV shows and recorded albums featuring both traditional and modern styles of Vietnamese drama.

He has won several top prizes for best actor at national theatre contests and festivals.

He has worked with HCM City Television (HTV), provincial television stations, and several film studios to produce TV shows, videos and albums featuring quality drama plays on social issues.

Through his productions, Anh and his colleagues such as People’s Artist Hồng Vân and Meritorious Artist Mỹ Uyên have won the hearts of audiences living in remote areas who enjoy theatre via TV or radio.

He has also worked with art schools and traditional theatres to train students.—VNS