Hà LinhInformation about the late artist Bui Phuong Nga - actress of the Vietnam Drama Theater - who passed away at 2pm on July 14 at her home after bravely fighting a serious illness, leaving friends and colleagues saddened.
Actress Phuong Nga wearing a wig after undergoing chemotherapy. She still came to the theater for rehearsals with fellow artists (Photo: Facebook of the individual).
Speaking to Dantri reporter, Artist Kieu Minh Hieu - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater - revealed that over 2 years ago, Phuong Nga discovered she had cancer. The actress underwent radiation therapy, surgery, recovered, and resumed performing, bringing joy to everyone.
"Colleagues still remember when Nga had just finished her radiation therapy and rushed to the theater with a wig to play the role of Mrs. Muon in the play The Remaining Thing. The day Phuong Nga returned, everyone was happy.
When she was healthier, Nga served as assistant director of the play The Rubber Sandal Wearer and director of the play Shadow Puppet. Phuong Nga's passion for the stage earned her admiration from everyone," the Deputy Director of the Vietnam Drama Theater said.
Kieu Minh Hieu also mentioned that around November 2023, Phuong Nga's condition worsened. The actress was in home treatment, with her family by her side, providing support and encouragement.
"On the afternoon of July 14, when she heard that Phuong Nga was weakening, actress Thuy Phuong from the Theater went to visit her. Thuy Phuong held Phuong Nga's hand and comforted her for a while. When Thuy Phuong stepped out to take a phone call, she returned to find that Phuong Nga had passed away. Immediately, she called to inform me. I then informed Artist Xuan Bac and colleagues at the Theater," Actor Kieu Minh Hieu recounted.
In Kieu Minh Hieu's memory, Bui Phuong Nga was a cheerful person, full of energy, always creating a comfortable atmosphere for others. Regarding her professional skills, the Deputy Director praised Phuong Nga as a talented person, so dedicated to her craft that she even forgot to eat.
He said: "In everything she did, Phuong Nga was optimistic and determined. Even when she knew she was ill, she remained cheerful and created a joyful atmosphere for everyone. When directing the play Shadow Puppet, she could choreograph, grasp the spirit of the performance to guide the young actors.
Since Nga fell ill, we have not found anyone to replace her in the play The Remaining Thing. Phuong Nga's passing leaves a void that is difficult to fill at the theater...".
Artist Thuy Phuong (left) and actress Phuong Nga (right) have worked on many plays together. The two artists often played mother and daughter on stage (Photo: Facebook of the individual).
According to Kieu Minh Hieu, on the morning of July 15, he worked with Phuong Nga's family on her funeral arrangements. The Vietnam Drama Theater will collaborate with the family to hold Phuong Nga's funeral with the utmost solemnity.
Artist Bui Phuong Nga was born in 1977, and attended the same class as Artist Xuan Bac. She participated in films such as Life's Notebook, Time Junction, Native Land, Seven Days as a Wife, Melody of the Street.
The actress spent years performing comedies with Xuan Bac across provinces, but decided to only perform at the Vietnam Drama Theater.
In nearly 30 years with the theater, Artist Bui Phuong Nga appeared in many plays such as Blue Chrysanthemum on the Marsh, The Old Handyman, Dream of a Summer Night, The Lucky Person...
She won several awards, including: Promising young actress (for the role of an old lady in the play Finding Rice in 2008), Silver medal for the role of a meat vendor's wife (in the play Truong Ba's Spirit, Da Hang's Flesh) at the Luu Quang Vu Drama Festival in 2013, Silver medal for the role of Queen Giectrut (in the play Hamlet) at the International New Drama Festival in 2016, Gold medal for the role of Hoan Thu (in the play Kieu) at the National Professional Drama Festival in 2018...
In 2018, she obtained a directing degree. In 2019, she was awarded the title of Excellent Artist.
