The title of People's Artist for artist Tu Long may be reconsidered?

When asked about this issue, Tu Long said that he didn't know what to say at this time because it was a sensitive period.

The differing opinions regarding Tu Long's eligibility for the title of People's Artist will be considered by the State Council for reconsideration. Photo: Provided.

The fact that many veteran artists with significant contributions were excluded from the list of nominees for the title of People's Artist in 2015, while Meritorious Artist Tu Long (Deputy Director of the Army Cheo Theater) was included in the list submitted to the State level, has caused much controversy in recent days. People's Artist Le Tien Tho believes that public opinion will serve as a reference for the higher-level council to reconsider the matter more carefully.

Tu Long also felt awkward.

Immediately after the third session of the 25-member State Council for awarding the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist concluded in Hanoi on the morning of July 9th, conflicting information arose in the media and on social forums.

In particular, the exclusion of veteran artists who have made significant contributions to the national art scene over the years, such as Meritorious Artists Minh Vuong, Xuan Hinh, Chi Trung, Minh Hang, and Ut Bach Lan, from the list of People's Artists, has surprised many. Especially, the inclusion of artist Tu Long, who was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2012, in the list of People's Artists submitted to the State has sparked much controversy.

Many analysts argue that, according to the regulations for awarding the title of People's Artist issued in 2003, artists must have been active in the arts for 20 years or more (15 years or more for circus artists), have been awarded the title of Meritorious Artist for 5 years or more, and have won at least two Gold awards at national, regional, or international art festivals and competitions, as well as awards from central literary and artistic associations since being awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

Tu Long is only 42 years old this year, meaning he hasn't yet reached 20 years of continuous artistic activity. He was also only awarded the title of Meritorious Artist by the State in 2012, meaning he's only been in the position for 3 years, not 5. Furthermore, although he's a traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo) actor, Tu Long is better known for his comedic roles in programs like "Tao Quan" and "Gap Nhau Cuoi Tuan"…

When asked about this issue, Tu Long said that he didn't know what to say at this sensitive time. He also felt awkward that his seniors weren't being considered for the title of People's Artist. Tu Long said he would share his thoughts in more detail after the awarding ceremony for the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist concludes.

Chi Trung was sad but still happy for Tu Long.

Meritorious Artist Chí Trung, Deputy Director of the Youth Theatre, shared that he feels the awarding of the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist is still largely subjective, like "it's easy to love, but hard to hate."

There are people who haven't met the criteria five years after being awarded the title of Meritorious Artist, or artists who returned from abroad but mainly work in a private capacity… yet they are still considered for the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist. Personally, even though you have enough medals, your influence on the audience, and your contributions to the theater are second to none… you were overlooked.

Many people advised him to submit applications to the Minister, the President, etc., to request consideration, but he didn't. Even the application for the title of People's Artist was filled out and submitted by his theater, not by him personally.

Expressing his thoughts on Tu Long being awarded the title of People's Artist while he himself was not, Meritorious Artist Chi Trung happily stated: "I am very happy for Tu Long because he is a younger brother whom I cherish. Tu Long has a very unique charm on stage."

"A title isn't like a piece of bread divided among many people, causing everyone to fight, scramble, and beg for it... a title is recognition for everyone. If you ask me if I'm happy for Tu Long, I say I'm very happy, because Long being considered for the People's Artist title doesn't affect me in any way."

"When asked if I was sad, I honestly replied, 'Yes. Tu Long is like my third or fourth generation student, but he's a good student while I've failed. It's like people come to your house and shake your son's hand, but not your father's. It's very sad," Meritorious Artist Chi Trung confided.

People's Artist Le Tien Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and also a member of the State-level specialized awarding council, shared that Tu Long's inclusion in the list of candidates for the State-level People's Artist title was primarily due to recommendations from lower-level councils, especially the Ministry of National Defense Council.

While the nominations are being considered by higher-level councils, Tu Long himself must also meet the previously established criteria. Over the past period, Tu Long has won several gold medals in various competitions.

Firstly, at the competition in Hai Phong, he played the role of teacher Chu Van An in a traditional Vietnamese opera directed by People's Artist and director Doan Hoang Giang. Tu Long received high praise for this performance. Secondly, at the Armed Forces Arts Festival held in Nam Dinh, Tu Long also successfully portrayed General Nguyen Chi Thanh.

According to People's Artist Le Tien Tho, Tu Long is considered one of the young artists of the traditional Vietnamese opera (cheo) scene, capable of playing many roles and mastering the traditional stage. In the field of comedic theater, Tu Long also actively participates in the Xuan Bac - Tu Long comedy group, with many plays for children performed annually.

Previously, Tu Long had also achieved some success in theatrical competitions held in Hue. However, People's Artist Le Tien Tho also stated that feedback from readers and the press would serve as a reference for the State-level Council to consider.

People's Artist Lê Tiến Thọ stated: "The higher the council's standing, the broader its perspective and the more thorough its comparisons… Many cases will also be dropped when the council reviews them and finds them unworthy. With the opinions of readers, the public, and the media, I believe the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, along with the Emulation and Commendation Board of the Ministry of Interior, will compile them and submit them to the review council before presenting them to the President for signing and awarding these prestigious titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist."

According to Zing.vn