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

Talking to Tu Long about this issue, he said: at this time he doesn't know what to say because it's a sensitive time.

The conflicting opinions about Tu Long being considered for the title of People's Artist will be consulted by the State Council for reconsideration. Photo: TL

The fact that older artists with many contributions were left off the list of people's artists in 2015, while Meritorious Artist Tu Long (Deputy Director of the Army Cheo Theater) was on the list submitted to the State level has caused much controversy in the past few days. People's Artist Le Tien Tho said that public opinions will be a reference channel for the Council at higher levels to review more carefully.

Tu Long also felt embarrassed.

As soon as the third session of the 25-member State Council to consider awarding the titles of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist for the 8th time in Hanoi ended on the morning of July 9, many conflicting information streams arose in the media and social forums.

Among them, the fact that older artists who have contributed to the country's art scene over the years such as Meritorious Artist Minh Vuong, Meritorious Artist Xuan Hinh, Meritorious Artist Chi Trung, Meritorious Artist Minh Hang, Meritorious Artist Ut Bach Lan... were left off the list of People's Artists has surprised many people. In particular, the fact that artist Tu Long, who was just awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2012, was on the list of People's Artists submitted to the State level has received many mixed reactions.

Many people analyze that, according to the regulations on awarding the title of People's Artist issued since 2003, artists must have been working in the arts for 20 years or more (15 years or more for circus arts), have been awarded the title of Meritorious Artist for 5 years or more, and have at least 2 Gold awards at national, regional or international art festivals and performances... and Central literary and artistic associations since being awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

Tu Long is only 42 years old this year, compared to his career, he has not yet had 20 years of continuous artistic activities. Tu Long was also just awarded the title of Meritorious Artist by the State in 2012, up to now it has only been 3 years, not 5 years. In addition, although he is a cheo actor, Tu Long is known as a comedian through the programs "Tao Quan", "Gap Nhau Cuoi Tuan"...

Discussing this issue with Tu Long, he said: at this time he does not know what to say because it is a sensitive time. He himself also feels awkward when his seniors are not considered for the title of People's Artist. Tu Long said that he will share more specifically his thoughts after the awarding of the People's Artist - Meritorious Artist titles ends.

Chi Trung is sad but still happy for Tu Long.

Meritorious Artist Chi Trung, Deputy Director of Tuoi Tre Theater, shared that he finds that the process of awarding the titles of People's Artist - Meritorious Artist is still very emotional, like "it's easy to love, but difficult to hate".

There are people who have not met the criteria for 5 years after being awarded the title of Meritorious Artist, artists who have returned from abroad but only work in an individual capacity... and yet they are also considered for the title of People's Artist and Meritorious Artist. Even though he personally has enough medals, and his influence on the audience and contribution to the theater stage is not inferior to anyone... he is still overlooked.

Many people advised him to send his application to the Minister, the President… for consideration, but he did not do so. Even the application for the title of People's Artist was filled out by his Theater and sent to him, not done by him personally.

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

"A title is not a piece of rice divided among many people, causing everyone to fight, struggle, and beg for it... but a title is recognition for everyone. When asked if I was happy for Tu Long, I said I was very happy, because Long being considered for the title of People's Artist did not affect me at all.

When asked if I was sad, I honestly answered yes. Tu Long is like my third or fourth generation student, but the student passed, but the teacher failed. It's like people come to my house and shake my hand, but not my father. It's very sad," Meritorious Artist Chi Trung confided.

People's Artist Le Tien Tho, Chairman of the Vietnam Stage Artists Association and a member of the State-level Specialized Award Council, shared that Tu Long's inclusion in the list for consideration of the title of State-level People's Artist was first proposed by the lower-level Council, especially the Council of the Ministry of National Defense.

Submitted but when the council of higher levels considers, Tu Long himself must also meet the criteria that have been set out before. In the past, Tu Long has won a number of Gold medals in competitions.

First, in the competition in Hai Phong, Tu Long played the role of teacher Chu Van An in a play directed by People's Artist and Director Doan Hoang Giang. With this role, Tu Long was highly appreciated. Next, in the armed forces art festival held in Nam Dinh, Tu Long also successfully performed the role of General Nguyen Chi Thanh.

According to People's Artist Le Tien Tho, Tu Long is considered one of the young artists of the "cheo village", who can play many roles and master the traditional stage. In the field of comedy, Tu Long also actively participates in the comedy group Xuan Bac - Tu Long with many plays for children every year.

Previously, Tu Long also achieved some achievements in the drama competitions held in Hue. However, People's Artist Le Tien Tho also said that the reflections of readers and the press will be a reference channel for the State Council to consider.

People's Artist Le Tien Tho said: "The higher the Council, the broader the view, the more thorough the comparison... Many cases will also be dropped when the Council reviews and finds them unworthy. With the opinions of readers, the public and the media, I believe that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism together with the Emulation and Reward Board of the Ministry of Home Affairs will synthesize them to submit to the Council for review before submitting them to the President to sign and confer this noble title of People's Artist - Meritorious Artist".

According to Zing.vn