A NEW TWIST - Tuồng performances are being staged with new concepts by the Huỳnh Long Tuồng Troupe to attract young people. Photo courtesy of the theatre.

HCM CITY — Well-known actress Bình Tinh of HCM City has honoured at the Đào Tấn Awards organised by the National Cultural Promotion and Preservation Research Institute and its partners.

Tinh was awarded in the individual category for her contribution to preserve tuồng, a traditional genre of Vietnamese theatre in the central region that originated in the 12th century.

She was honoured at the awards presenting ceremony in Hà Nội late last month.

The Đào Tấn Awards is named after late veteran performer and scriptwriter Đào Tấn of Bình Định Province who is recognised as a guru of tuồng.

“The annual Đào Tấn Awards aim to honour and encourage individuals, groups and organisations to preserve and develop tuồng,” said Nguyễn Thế Khoa, a member of the event’s organising board.

Tinh began her career when she was at school. Her first lessons came from her mother, the late tuồng actress, scriptwriter and director Bạch Mai.

Tinh now works as a theatre director for private Huỳnh Long Tuồng Troupe, which was owned by her mother.

“My mom, Bạch Mai, wanted our troupe to become a place for people to enjoy tuồng in a unique way. She hoped that our actors would preserve and bring the art closer to young audiences," said Tinh, who has nearly 20 years of experience in the industry.

UPHOLDING A LEGACY - Talented actress Bình Tinh of the private Huỳnh Long Tuồng Troupe works hard to preserve tuồng (classical drama), a traditional genre of Vietnamese theatre in the central region that originated in the 12th century. Photo courtesy of the theatre.

Tinh and her staff have worked to offer new versions of famous historical plays, such as Thất Tinh Mai (Mai’s Love Story) and Ngô Quyền Và Chiến Thắng Bạch Đằng Giang (Ngô Quyền and the Great Victory on Bạch Đằng River), in order to meet the taste of young audiences.

Tinh adds new concepts in tuồng and uses young talents Mỹ Châu, Đăng Khoa and Quốc Thanh, graduates of the HCM City University of Theatre & Cinematography.

“Tuồng requires acting, but also a combination of music, makeup and costumes. Our shows with images, sounds and music provide young audiences with wonderful insights about their history, traditional culture and lifestyle,” said 42-year-old Tinh, adding that she works hard to maintain her family’s artistic tradition.

Shows by Tinh and her actors are staged every Sunday at 144 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street in Bình Thạnh District. — VNS