Life's melody

Discover the melody of Bach Tuyet's life. A Vietnamese National Merit artist, an actress, a singer and a scholar.

I think everyone should live life with this ideology. Only then can we move ahead and make the most of our stay in this world.

When you love yourself, you give room to your dreams, views and loved ones. If you have self-respect, you aim to protect your vision and work hard to give the best to yourself and your fellow mates. When you appreciate yourself for who you are, it becomes easier to love others and accept them for who they are without being judgmental.

My first act was a stroke of luck.

Music has fascinated me since I was a little girl. My teachers and my mother appreciated my talent. When my mother passed away, my uncle Minh took me to sing at local restaurants and teahouses to earn a living. My idols at that time were Thanh Nga, Kim Cuong, Tham Thuy Hang.

One fortunate day, I met Thanh Nga, who saw potential in my voice and encouraged me to start a career as a singer.

Then in 1961 the acting troupe Kien Giang were to stage a play La Tham Chi Hong (How beautiful the lover is), but their lead actress disappeared.

So I was nominated as a substitute. The audience was impressed with my maiden performance, and soon I was offered more roles for plays like Suoi Mo Ren Phao Cuoi (Wedding Bells By Deceit). As time went by, I received more appreciation.

I was also invited to sing at national events. I won a gold medal at the Thanh Tam Hopefuls Award for my performance in Tan Mot Kiep Hoa (Lady's End of Life) written by Trung Nguyen.

From 1964-75 I performed with actor Hung Cuong in many plays written by authors Ha Trieu and Hoa Phuong.
As a singing couple, we secured great fame in the Cai Luong genre of theatre. Drama critics conferred the title Cai Luong Chi Bao which means maestro of Cai Luong.

As I trace back my 30 years in this arena of applause, I feel content about the many roles I have played.

Coincidentally, my career on stage was at its peak just as I began my journey into motherhood. My son, Baogiang, brought me good luck. Though it was hard to balance the two responsibilities, I managed. I chose to be more involved as a mother so that the core of my life would be peaceful and that it would take care of all other roles.

Most recently, I was invited to work for Binh Duong University as director of its Centre of National and Traditional Culture Research. I have accepted the position and am enjoying the challenges.

Music helps me communicate with my own thoughts.

My favourite instrument is the guitar. When I am by myself, I like to play a melody to keep myself company.

It doesn't have to be a rhythm or a song played to proper notes. Rather just plain music of the kind that tells you where you are heading and what you are feeling from within.
As I strum, I feel elated by the freedom to express. Often, when there are decisions to make, I don't hold on to any thoughts. Instead, I allow them to come and go. I then choose what my heart desires.

Art is food for the soul. It nourishes, replenishes and heals
the mind. When you watch musicals, a connection is created with the performance and your thoughts. The notes reach out and touch your soul when you view them with an
open mind.

As individuals we have a tendency to lug around many emotions – both good and bad. While the happy moments are great in lifting your spirits and making you smile, the sad memories pull you down. When the mind is burdened, you feel lonely and left out.

In times like these, when you step back and let music into your life, something happens that transports you to a different world. It is almost magical. That's the kind of magic I like to spread.

Travel gives me perspective. My tours and stage shows have taken me across the world. I've performed in the US, Europe, South Asia and now in the Middle East. Though I love to perform in my home country and other neighbouring states, I prefer the thrill of reaching out to new shores and nations.

The Vietnamese cultural show organised by the American University of Sharjah brought me to the UAE for the first time. I was especially impressed by the cultural diversity in this country.

I hope to return to the UAE soon to gather more knowledge of this country, its people and its culture. As told to Ruqya Khan, a freelance writer based in Sharjah

Snapshots

My favourite form of Vietnamese theatre is Cai Luong, which has a traditional as well as modern adaptation. I like the modern, the Cai Luong xã hoi. It is a form of modern folk opera in Vietnam that blends southern Vietnamese folk songs, classical music, hát tuong (a classical theatre form based on Chinese opera) and modern spoken drama.

It portrays stories that reflect on the cultural and social norms of modern Vietnamese society.

My favourite colour: Actually I love two colours – black and white. They are the base for all the other hues. It is from these two colours that you can acquire all the other shades in life.