When talking about People’s Artist Hong Van, people immediately think of a female comedian who is very popular with theatergoers both in the North and the South. Hong Van with the full name of Ngo Dang Hong Van was born on May 26, 1966. She is a native of Chau Khe Commune, Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province. Since she was a child, she was as mischievous as a boy and had innate sense of humor. At the age of eight, she followed her family to live in Ho Chi Minh City where she had a chance to see a Cai luong (classical drama) play, called Queen Mother Duong Van Nga, which made her burst into tears several times. She was so keen on the role played by famed artist Thanh Nga in the play that she nurtured a dream to become a stage actress and her dream came true.

Hong Van graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema in 1989, however, she started acting at Stage 5B on Vo Van Tan Road, Ho Chi Minh City when she was a student. After only a short time, she affirmed her talent through some roles in “Loi vu” and “So phan tro treu” plays. Some years later, she won the hearts of fastidious drama lovers with the roles in the comic series, “Trong nha ngoai pho” (Indoor and Outdoor), broadcast on Ho Chi Minh City’s Television. Then, she and later artist Le Vu Cau, played together in short comedies, including “Ong noi ga, ba noi vit” (talking at cross purpose) or “Vo chong thang Dau” (the couple of Dau) which were shown at most theatres in the country at that time.

 

 

Hong Van’s expressive face on the stage.

 

Hong Van is considered a versatile artist because she is successful not only in comedies, films, dramas and Cai luong, but also working as a director and manager. In 1999, she established the Hong Van Drama Troupe at Phu Nhuan Cultural House where she created a new style and developed an appetite for drama with many serious plays about life’s trials and tribulations based on famous satirical literary works from1930-1945, such as “So do” (Dumb Luck), “Chi Dau” (Mrs. Dau) and “Con nha ngheo” (Poor Family’s Children) which made a strong impression on audiences and critics alike.
“I always desire to bring satirical literary works to the stage though stories, full of life’s issues and deep human values that help make life better,” said Hong Van.
 

Having spent many years in the theatre world, Van realized a new trend of development and integration in Vietnam so Hong Van started a project on staging dramas in English for foreign tourists in 2007. The project aimed at helping them understand more about Vietnamese culture. She also staged some criminal and thrilling dramas as new experiments and implemented a stage programme at schools to call upon students to protect the environment and respect teachers which received much response from young people.
 

At present, Hong Van works as Deputy Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Cinema Association and manager of Phu Nhuan and Supper Bowl Drama Theatres which are prestigious ones for their high-quality performances in Ho Chi Minh City. Although she is very busy with her work, Hong Van still spends time training many young actresses. “I respect and consider Hong Van as my teacher because she not only helps us in our carrier, but is also an example with great efforts to make contributions to building up and developing the drama scene in Ho Chi Minh City,” said Uyen Thao, a young actress.

With her enthusiasm, talent and creativeness, Hong Van had found a new direction and blows new breath into the drama scene in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, despite economic difficulties and the changing tastes of young audiences who no long prefer this type of art, her drama theatres are still lit and crowded with people every night.