Having participated in more than 200 roles in stage plays and television, actress Hoang Trinh is a typical face of the generation of artists who have devoted their lives to the performing arts. With her natural talent, she has the ability to act in a variety of ways, transforming into many different characters and genres.
In 1995, actress Hoang Trinh won the Mai Vang Award for her role as Hoa Na in the famous play “Hao quang va bong toi” and many other awards. At the 1st Ho Chi Minh City Theater Festival - 2024, she won the Silver Medal for her role as Mrs. Do Thi Phan in the play “Duc Thuong Cong Ta Quan Le Van Duyet”.
Tinh Hoa Viet talks with actress Hoang Trinh about culture and performing arts through her experiences.
Born and raised in a tailoring family, the daughter of the owner of the famous Viet Dung shop on Pasteur Street, District 1 - also the busiest place in the city, can you share about your childhood with your parents and family?
- I was born and raised in Saigon, in a family of tailors. My family is as normal as any other family and there is always warmth and love. The family tailor shop, called Viet Dung Tailor, specializes in sewing jeans, suits, dresses, and blouses. My parents are very skillful, so many customers trust and often come to order tailoring.
Being the children of a famous tailor, each year, my siblings and I only got a few new clothes made for us. There were only two sets of clothes to wear at home and two sets of clothes to wear during Tet. Maybe because my siblings and I had so many children and we had to make clothes to deliver to customers, my parents couldn’t make more clothes for us. But I always felt very lucky and happy to be their children.
My parents always loved, cared for and sacrificed for their children. And that is why my siblings and I always care for each other and help each other until now, even though each of us has our own family and our hair has turned gray.
Living and growing up in a bustling urban area, where there are many entertainment venues such as theaters and stages, can you share your first contacts with the stage in particular and art in general during that period?
- I came to art because I love living in many different situations and lives. At that time, I simply wanted to test myself, to find joy and new experiences. I never thought that I would stick with this path for so long, but then each role, each reception from the audience kept me in this profession.
Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City is the cradle of art. The bright stages and great works are always an endless source of inspiration for anyone who loves art, and I am no exception. Being able to step on stage and immerse myself in the artistic atmosphere of that time was a wonderful experience that I will always cherish.
Thanks to being able to transform into each character, I feel like I have lived many other lives. The joys and sorrows, the anger and hatred of the characters help me understand more about life and myself. That makes me feel life is lighter and more emotional. I realize that each role is not just a story, but also an opportunity for me to experience, learn and grow.
Why did you choose to take this difficult and challenging artistic path?
- I always think that in life, nothing is easy. Art is a challenging path, but it is those challenges that have helped me grow and become more steadfast. Having chosen this path, I think I need to be completely passionate about it. Even though it is difficult, I always tell myself that as long as I maintain my passion, I will find joy and meaning in my work. And indeed, the years of being attached to the stage have brought me many valuable things that no other place can bring.
Can you share about your first roles? And unforgettable memories in the historical and social context of the city at that time?
- My first role on stage was July - the daughter of the contractor in the play "The Count of Monte Cristo", performed at the City Theater. And on television, my first role was a little girl in the play "Nhat Xuat".
Back then, every time I stepped on stage or appeared on screen was a new experience for me. I still remember the feeling of excitement, anxiety, and excitement when living in the character’s world. Those memories, even after many years, are still deeply imprinted in my mind, as an unforgettable part of my passionate youth.
What has performing arts brought you? What have you gone through to be able to stick with this profession, which has also become your lifelong career?
- For me, art is where I find joy and sublimation. The stage is not only where I perform, but also where I live my emotions. Thanks to art, I understand life better, sympathize more with different situations, and love and tolerate more with what is around me.
To stick with this profession, I had to overcome many difficulties. Being an actor requires a lot of effort, from learning, practicing to facing the pressure of work and life. But thanks to those challenges, I love my job more and more and try to contribute more.
Behind the stage lights as well as on screen, can you share the difficulties that the acting profession faces?
- Being an actor is not easy. This profession requires us to balance between work and family, between ourselves and the audience, and especially between age and career. I have to always keep my mind clear and alert to remember many things, from the lines, the character's emotions to the coordination with my co-stars.
The biggest challenge is probably the responsibility. I am not only responsible for myself but also for my co-stars and the audience. Once I step on stage, I am always aware that I am carrying everyone's expectations and feelings. That is pressure, but also the motivation for me to keep trying.
Actress Hoang Trinh (full name Nguyen Thi Hoang Trinh), born in 1968, grew up and matured in Saigon-HCMC. Actress Hoang Trinh graduated from the Drama Department of the High School of Culture and Arts in 1991. Since then, her life has been associated with drama, the cradle that brought her to the art-loving public.
Stage and television plays she has participated in: “Thunderstorm”, “A Thousand Years of Love”, “The Secret of the Lychee Garden”, “The Holy King of the Le Dynasty”, “Dad, Mom, Come Home”, “The Lost Sword in the Flower Forest”, “The Four Beauties”, “Bubble Mask”, “The House Without Men”, “The Witch’s Curse”, “The Left General Le Van Duyet”, “Under the Beauty’s Shadow”…
With 200 roles from stage to television, how can you take on so many roles?
- I honestly don't remember if the number of roles I've played has reached 200 or not, but I feel grateful that I've had the opportunity to play so many characters. I think I can do this first and foremost thanks to my love for the job. It's that passion that helps me overcome times of fatigue and pressure to complete my work well.
There are days when my show and filming schedules overlap, and I have to try my best to arrange my time. My brain feels like it has to "carry" a lot of pressure. But I always tell myself that I work because I love my job, and when I love it, I never feel tired for long. Strangely, when work comes in full swing, I feel happy. Because I don't want my free days to make me frivolous, regretting not doing anything meaningful.
Which of those roles do you like?
- Each role brings me a different experience, so it is difficult for me to choose which role I like the most. But if I have to say, I have a slight preference for roles with psychological depth. Characters with fate and pain always make me feel challenged and deeply sympathetic.
At the same time, I also love the fun, innocent roles for children. They bring me back to my childhood, to the beautiful memories that I always cherish. Maybe that's why I want to have both, to freely play heavy psychological roles, and to be able to regain innocence through lovable characters.
How can you fully transform into each character?
- I always observe the people around me. Each person has their own story, and that is valuable material for me to bring to my role. When playing a character, I often put myself in their shoes, feeling what they are going through.
I believe that if I truly understand the character, the expression of emotions will become more natural. And the audience will also feel the sincerity from my acting. Therefore, every time I take on a role, I spend time researching the character thoroughly, from the setting, living conditions to their personality and thoughts.
Each character has a different personality, personality, life, and destiny, often tragic and painful, and also many innocent and funny roles for children. What kind of roles do you think you are most suited to?
- Each type of role has its own merits, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to experience both. Tragic, painful roles help me accumulate more life experience, understand more about the hidden corners of life. They make me become more profound, more sympathetic to human pain.
On the contrary, innocent and funny roles are like spiritual medicine, helping me relive my childhood days. They make me feel more optimistic and love life more. Therefore, if possible, I always want to play both types of roles, to challenge myself and find joy in my career. Maybe I am a bit greedy, but that is how I love my job.
Not having the "shining halo" like other drama stars, but when mentioning Ho Chi Minh City drama, we have to mention Hoang Trinh. Can you share your feelings about this?
- Honestly, I don't dare to take this personally. I'm just an actor who loves his job, trying to live and work according to his passion. When it comes to Saigon drama, there are probably many more talented artists who deserve to be remembered.
I just hope that what I have done, the roles I have contributed, will somehow bring joy and meaning to the audience. That to me is a great happiness.
When talking about you, many colleagues respectfully mention you as a talented and modest actress, who only knows how to silently devote herself to her passion for art. How do you perceive that?
- If I hear such comments, I am truly grateful. I feel happy because of the love and recognition that people give me. But I always remind myself to stay humble, because art is a long road, and I still have a lot to learn.
Besides your passion for your job, you are also a mother who sacrifices wholeheartedly for your children. How do you balance your love for your job and your love for your family?
- For me, love for the profession and love for family always go hand in hand, complementing each other. Acting has helped me satisfy my burning passion since childhood, allowing me to live in characters and diverse fates that if I did not do this job, I probably would never have experienced.
Family is the support, the place where after each performance or tiring day of work, I can return to, find comfort, sharing and warm joy. Family not only helps me balance my life but is also the greatest source of encouragement for me to continue on the challenging path of art.
Balancing career and family is never easy. But I always try to arrange my time in the most reasonable way so that I do not miss any responsibilities. Family is always the top priority because it gives me peace and motivation. I usually take care of everything for my family before leaving home to perform.
On the contrary, when I am on stage or in front of the camera, I will put my whole heart into my work, because I believe that only by giving my all can I bring joy and meaning to the audience. Balancing these two things is sometimes difficult, but I always remind myself that each role is important, and I need to fulfill both.
Can you share about a normal day and a day when you have to prepare for a new play?
- My normal day starts with taking care of my family. From cooking, cleaning to chatting with family members, I always try to do my best so that when I step out the door, my heart feels light and comfortable.
The days preparing for a new play are completely different. I spend a lot of time reading the script, researching the characters, and even talking to the director and co-stars to better understand the role. Sometimes I try acting in front of the mirror to feel the character's emotions. This is a very special time, because it's like I'm "becoming friends" with the character, gradually understanding and blending in with them.
How is your daily life and artistic life going these days?
- Currently, everything in my life is still going on normally as it has been for many years. There are sadnesses and difficulties, but I always try to put them in a corner of my memory to continue living and working.
I find joy in my work, from rehearsals to filming days, and even in the moments with my family and friends. I believe that when we learn to find happiness in simple things, life becomes easier.
What about your plans/projects regarding art?
- Actually, I have never had any big plans or intentions in my career. Up until now, I have only known how to work with all my passion and try my best so that each role leaves an impression.
I don't think too far ahead, I just know that as long as the audience still accepts me, I will continue to perform. Art is my life, and I want to stick with it until I can't do it anymore.
Thank you and I wish your roles continue to shine and receive much love from the public!
Source: https://daidoanket.vn/dien-vien-hoang-trinh-tai-nang-cua-lang-kich-nghe-10296752.html
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