Bạch Tuyết, revered in Vietnam as the People’s Artist, is the pioneer in Cai Luong, a traditional opera form in Southern Vietnam. She's known not just for her contributions to Cai Luong but also for her insatiable thirst for knowledge, echoing Lenin’s famous words, “Study, study more, study forever.” Beyond her art, she delves into the mysteries of the universe and explores the complexities of the human brain.
On this episode of the Have A Sip podcast with host Thùy Minh, Bạch Tuyết shared insights from her vast wealth of knowledge gathered over 80 years of life and nearly 70 years of professional experience, covering various aspects of sharing and reflections on life’s challenges.
Life’s Inherent Nature Is Instability
After years in her career, Bạch Tuyết recognized the distinction between evolving as an artist and taking charge as the protagonist in her life’s story. On stage, with set rules and scripted lines, she merely rehearses her lines to perfection. However, she must write the script and play the role in real life.
To alleviate burdens and negativity, she suggests accepting the variability of each day. Some days begin with clear skies, while others linger in gloom until noon. Life comprises both peaceful and stormy days.
If encountering a storm leaves you surprised and panicked, it may indicate a lack of understanding of the universe’s principles. However, once you comprehend these principles, you’ll find tranquility, recognizing it simply as a natural rule, nothing more.
Key Insights For Lifelong Fulfillment
Bạch Tuyết holds the belief that every action we take is akin to planting a seed, which will eventually bear fruit. By consistently showing kindness and gratitude, one can expect to reap “so good” results during the harvest season without fail.
When she encountered an elderly man selling lottery tickets, she reflected, “I have more than I need, why not share with others?” This led her to cultivate a habit of assisting those in need. Additionally, sowing negative seeds leads to undesirable outcomes. Neglecting observation may prompt the question, “Hey, did I really plant that tree?” and foster resentment toward the world.
Our habits shape our character, and our character paves the way for our destiny.
Life lessons like these ones aren’t taught in school; they’re like uncut gems waiting for each person to explore, discover, and refine on their own. The easier it is to grasp something, the easier it is to overlook its significance.
Generation Gaps
In her era, Cai Luong faced competition from various Indian films. Yet, despite this, Cai Luong endures as a beloved art form because it resonates deeply with Vietnamese national culture and is infused with soul.
Cai Luong’s plays offer serious insights into the human condition within society, including events such as a daughter selling herself to support her parents in Nửa đời hương phấn and the pain of human life in Thảm kịch tuổi xanh.
Throughout history, audiences have consistently embraced artists for the values they contribute to society, alongside their talent and expertise. As new generations emerge, there will always be others ready to succeed the previous ones with their own talents and abilities.
Currently, young artists possess abundant talent and leverage social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube for better audience interaction. Nonetheless, the public perception of artists remains crucial. She encourages the younger generation to prioritize promoting national values and identity over pursuing ephemeral ideals.
To wrap up this episode of Have A Sip, she shares her favorite English phrase, “Know how to use.” Understanding techniques and rules is one thing, but knowing how to apply them ensures that human values and heartfelt knowledge remain vibrant and enduring, unlike physical objects subject to decay and loss.