Tet is not only a time for family reunions but also a busy season for circus, cheo, and cải lương artists. They put aside their personal joys to bring special performances to audiences nationwide.
A Full Schedule for Circus Artists
Sharing with Dan Tri, NSND Tống Toàn Thắng – Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation – revealed that at the end of 2024 and beginning of 2025, circus artists are constantly busy with numerous large projects.
NSND Tống Toàn Thắng – Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation (Photo: Nguyễn Hà Nam).
The Vietnam Circus Federation has a New Year’s celebration program and an event commemorating its 68th anniversary. Additionally, artists will perform in Laos as part of a cultural friendship program between the two countries. “We distribute staff evenly to fulfill both political duties and audience entertainment needs,” Mr. Thắng emphasized.
During the 2025 Tet holiday, the Federation will stage two new programs: Not Laughing But You Have To – a comedy based on the folk tale Nghêu, Sò, Ốc, Hến – and the circus show Celebrate the Party, Celebrate Spring. Artists will take a break on the 27th day of the lunar year and resume performances on the 3rd day. In some years, they have even performed on the 2nd day of Tet. Tickets are sold both directly and online, making it easier for audiences to access these performances.
Circus artists rehearse intensively (Photo: Nguyễn Hà Nam).
According to NSND Tống Toàn Thắng, in 2024, the Vietnam Circus Federation organized over 300 shows, surpassing the number in 2023, which increased revenue. However, expenses also rose for certain events like honoring veterans and fundraising after Typhoon No. 3. Therefore, Tet bonuses remain according to state regulations, with the highest being one month’s salary. The income from artists’ fees during Tet is double that of regular days, providing significant motivation.
Artist Phạm Thị Hương (born 1990), from Bac Giang, shared that she returns home with her husband and children on the 1st and 2nd days of Tet. If there are shows, she will return to Hanoi early to perform. “My children are grown, so I don’t feel deprived. Performing during Tet also brings many good wishes from the audience. I always share my luck with colleagues so everyone can enjoy a joyful spring,” the artist expressed.
Cheo and Cải Lương Artists: Busy but Happy
NSƯT Quang Khải – Head of Experimental Ensemble, Vietnam Cải Lương Theater – noted that cải lương artists start performing on the 3rd day of Tet. Most events occur in northern provinces, particularly in Bac Ninh, known for its many festivals.
NSƯT Quang Khải rehearses with colleagues (Photo: Provided by the artist).
The Vietnam Cải Lương Theater has a Tet duty roster, prioritizing artists from distant areas for the first few days. NSƯT Quang Khải, originally from Nghệ An, usually works until the 26th and 27th of the lunar calendar before returning home to celebrate Tet with his family. “My wife is from Thái Bình, so we often visit her parents before going to mine. Everyone wants to be close to family, so we arrange things accordingly,” artist Quang Khải said.
Artist Xuân Khoát from the Vietnam Cheo Theater mentioned that from the 5th day of Tet to mid-February, they receive many performance invitations. They travel across provinces to entertain audiences, enjoying the scenery while meeting fans. “Outdoor performances depend heavily on the weather, but everyone hopes for beautiful weather at the beginning of the new year to serve the audience better,” Xuân Khoát said.
Xuân Khoát on stage (Photo: Nguyễn Hà Nam).
Artist Xuân Ba revealed that at the beginning of the year, traditional artists like tuồng, cheo, and cải lương are very busy, frequently traveling between provinces. “Some artists don’t return home for two months due to a dense schedule. Especially young performers without family commitments, they are willing to follow the continuous schedule,” the artist shared.
After Tet, tuồng artists also begin performances quite early (Photo: Thành Đông, Nguyễn Hà Nam).
Xuân Ba said: “My current monthly salary is 6 million VND. If we are busier during the end of the year and early spring, our income increases. Despite the hardships, we still strive to preserve and love our art.”
Conclusion
Tet is a busy yet meaningful time for circus, cheo, and cải lương artists. Although they must sacrifice time with family, they remain dedicated to serving audiences and bringing vibrant performances that contribute to the festive atmosphere of spring. Let us appreciate and support these artists who give their all for the arts.
Source: Dan Tri
