Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – – A recent seminar celebrating the legacy of Vietnamese actress Kim Cương brought a deeply emotional moment as the celebrated performer was moved to tears by the achievements of Dr. Trần Thanh Nhã, son of the late artist Bạch Lan. The event highlighted not only the enduring impact of Vietnamese artistry but also the power of educational support for the children of performing artists.
The seminar, titled “Legendary Actress Kim Cương and Southern Vietnamese Opera,” culminated in a panel discussion, “Diamond Queen and Southern Vietnamese Opera,” organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association. It was during this discussion that Dr. Trần Thanh Nha’s presence resonated most profoundly. He currently works at the Rehabilitation and Occupational Disease Hospital.
Dr. Nhã expressed his gratitude for the Bay Nam Artist Scholarship Program, which provided crucial financial assistance throughout his academic journey to become a doctor. He framed his success as a continuation of the compassionate legacy inherent in the performing arts. “Each year, this scholarship helped us buy books and cover our tuition fees, and it was also a great source of encouragement to continue our studies. I myself had the opportunity to benefit from this scholarship from high school until I entered university,” he shared.
A Legacy of Compassion
The emotional response from Kim Cương stemmed from a recent HTV news report featuring Dr. Nhã. “I didn’t expect Trần Thanh Nhã to come that day and say such beautiful things about my efforts in my studies,” Kim Cương said, visibly moved. “My mother, up there, must be very happy because the scholarship named after her has had a positive impact on society.”
The Bay Nam Artist Scholarship Program, established in honor of Kim Cương’s mother, is designed to support the educational pursuits of children from artistic families. The program recognizes the unique challenges faced by those growing up in the world of performance and aims to provide opportunities for a brighter future.
Dr. Nhã’s journey exemplifies the program’s success. Growing up as the son of Bạch Lan, a prominent figure in the Huynh Long Cai Luong opera troupe, he was immersed in the world of traditional Vietnamese performance from a young age. Despite this artistic upbringing, he pursued a career in medicine, a path supported by the Bay Nam scholarship.
He spoke of the profound influence Kim Cương’s work had on him, recalling the deeply humanist values present in her performances. “For me, these works radiated a deep humanist value. The images of mothers and grandmothers in her plays always seemed very close and familiar to the soul and culture of the Vietnamese people,” he explained. His words underscored a deep understanding of the power of art to connect with audiences on a fundamental level.
From Backstage to the Medical Amphitheater
Dr. Nhã’s path wasn’t simply a shift from the artistic to the scientific; it was a continuation of a family tradition of service. His mother’s dedication to her craft, and Kim Cương’s commitment to supporting young artists, instilled in him a sense of responsibility to contribute to society.
He now works at the Hospital of Rehabilitation and Occupational Disease Treatment, having completed his postgraduate training. This achievement represents a significant milestone in his professional career, demonstrating his dedication to healing and helping others.
During the seminar, Dr. Nhã expressed his heartfelt gratitude to both Kim Cương and the late Bay Nam, acknowledging the lasting impact of their vision. “On the occasion of today’s seminar, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ms. Kim Cương and the late People’s Artist Bay Nam, who initiated and perpetuated this precious scholarship program. We will never forget the lessons of ethics and compassion that she taught us.”
The Bay Nam Artist Scholarship Program, as Dr. Nhã’s story illustrates, is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in the future, fostering a generation of educated and compassionate individuals who are committed to making a positive contribution to Vietnamese society. The program’s success serves as a testament to the enduring power of art, education, and the unwavering support of dedicated individuals like Kim Cương and Bay Nam.
