Vietnamese theatre mourns iconic figures Thanh Nga and director Thanh Hạp

On July 31, the birthday of the late cải lương star Thanh Nga, veteran performer Lư Bảo Quốc (NSUT Bảo Quốc) posted a heartfelt tribute recalling his sister’s influence on his life and the art form. He described memories from their childhood performances, highlighted Thanh Nga’s status as the “queen of cải lương” before her sudden death in 1978, and noted that he continues to organize commemorations for her while living in the United States.

A week earlier, on July 30, respected director Thanh Hạp died at age 84 after a brief illness. Born on May 12 1942 in Cao Lãnh, Đồng Tháp, he was a key figure in Southern cải lương, studied directing in Bulgaria, and later taught stagecraft at Ho Chi Minh City’s University of Theatre and Cinema. Thanh Hạp mentored several generations of artists, directed productions at Hoàng Thái Thanh theatre, and was honored with a funeral at Bệnh viện Thống Nhất followed by cremation at Bình Hưng Hòa.