People's Artist Việt Anh is rehearsing the historical play Hùng khí triều Trần, scheduled for a year-end production in Ho Chi Minh City. In a new interview, he said acting income covers his living needs while meaningful roles remain a major source of satisfaction.
A demanding return to spoken theatre
The production marks his return to spoken drama after several years and a relatively rare collaboration with Idecaf. He plays Trần Thủ Độ in two psychologically complex scenes. Heavy costumes and a performance lasting three to four hours require preparation to maintain stamina.
Việt Anh said he performs less frequently to leave space for younger actors, but still accepts compelling parts. Approaching 70, he enjoys riding his motorbike to sets and theatres despite early starts and late finishes.
Acting and sharing experience
This year he has taken part in two feature films and two television productions. He also receives a pension and occasionally teaches acting. His comments about making ends meet describe his own circumstances rather than a disclosed income figure or an industry-wide benchmark.
Born Nguyễn Văn Liêm, he began working in the 1980s and established his reputation in productions including Lôi Vũ and Dạ cổ hoài lang. His role as ông Năm in the latter brought a Mai Vàng award in 1995. He received Meritorious Artist status in 2001 and People's Artist status in 2019.
Recent screen appearances include Bố già, Mai and Bộ tứ báo thủ. They provide career background; the new historical play remains in rehearsal ahead of its planned opening.