Ngoc Tam Tam: A homeless Cai Luong actress, living in a 10m tent, eating instant noodles with no rice to eat.

Once a singer of the reformed theater stage, the current difficult life of artist Ngoc Tam Tam makes artists Phi Phung and Phuong Dung (Ngu Long Du Ky group) feel heartbroken.

Recently, artists Phi Phung, Phuong Dung, and Thuy Muoi visited her residence and could not hide their emotions at the current situation of their fellow artist.

Artist Ngoc Tam Tam currently lives alone in a small tent about 10m wide, made temporarily from three old tarpaulins. The tent is located deep in a parking lot in a wasteland, surrounded by overgrown grass and muddy ground. She has no home and cannot afford to rent a place to stay. Therefore, this temporary tent has been her shelter for the past several months.

There was no door, no private toilet, all the personal activities of the artist had to be shared with those around her. In the simple tent, there was almost nothing of value in the living things. The small bed where she slept was also borrowed, there was no table, chair, or wardrobe. The most valuable things were the costumes for Cai Luong performances, which she carefully wrapped in plastic bags, hung up or placed on the ground for safekeeping.

Artist Phuong Dung choked up and shared: "I wanted to call this a room but it can't be called a room because there are no walls, just a few pieces of canvas. There are no tables, chairs, or cabinets, only a small bed. All the cai luong costumes are put in plastic bags, some are hung up, some are left on the floor. These are the costumes for Ms. Tam to perform cai luong tuong co. Ms. Tam also doesn't have a vehicle, so every time she goes to perform she has to call a motorbike taxi to pick her up."

Phuong Dung added: "Many audiences probably don't know who Ngoc Tam Tam is because at that time she had just become famous and went to sing in the provinces instead of staying in the city. She had to go to sing in the provinces to take care of her family because at that time her family was so poor. Ngoc Tam Tam became famous at the same time as Kim Tu Long and sang with Kim Tu Long at that time. I didn't expect her life to be like this now, having to live in a place like this, I feel sorry for her. I heard that for 5 consecutive days Ngoc Tam Tam had to eat instant noodles because there was no rice to eat."

The situation of artist Ngoc Tam Tam makes many audiences and colleagues feel choked up when witnessing a former stage talent now living in such poverty.

Not only Ngoc Tam Tam, Vietnamese showbiz has many artists facing difficult situations in their old age.

Bo Bo Hoang: "Genius" of reformed opera who makes a living by making hats and crowns

Artist Bo Bo Hoang, real name Thanh Hoang, born in 1948, was once known as a "genius" of the cai luong stage. She started her career at the age of 4 and has now spent more than 70 years in the profession.

Currently, she no longer performs on stage but is still attached to art by making hats and costumes for domestic and foreign artists. Thanks to this job, she has an income to cover her old age. For artist Bo Bo Hoang, that is already satisfying.

She shared that if there is a next life, she would still like to be an artist. At the age of nearly 80, she still devotes all her love to reformed opera and classical drama. Through each hat and each costume she makes herself, she conveys her lifelong passion and dedication to the stage.

Mac Can: Veteran artist lives peacefully in nursing home

Artist Mac Can, born in 1945, is well known for his role in the classic TV series "Southern Land". He currently lives at Thi Nghe Nursing Center.

Sharing with reporters, he said that life here is quite comfortable. After more than 60 years of working in the arts, he is happy to be living with some colleagues under one roof at the end of his life. He chose to go to a nursing home because he did not want to bother his children, even though they often come to visit him.

On February 25, artist Mac Can and many colleagues in difficult circumstances received a general health check-up in a program organized by People's Artist Kim Cuong in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association. Despite suffering from many old-age diseases, he is still clear-headed, loves life and hopes to continue writing books and participating in films if given the opportunity.

Hong Sap: Sticking with the stage at the age of 88

Artist Hong Sap, born in 1937, entered the cai luong stage at the age of 14. She currently lives with a nephew in a small rented room and works as a costume keeper for a cai luong troupe.

Despite being 88 years old, she still maintains a clear mind and stable health. Her most recent on-screen appearance was in the episode "Possession" (A Stick of Incense, Season 6), broadcast at the end of 2024. The character of Mrs. Ut - a silver-haired woman begging for food late at night - moved and haunted many viewers.

She shared that even though she doesn't have many roles left, she still can't leave the stage - a place she considers the flesh and bloo.d of her life.

Phuong Binh: After more than 60 years in the profession, still struggling to make a living

Cai luong artist Phuong Binh - a familiar name in the Southern theater - entered the profession at the age of 21 and has been active in the arts for over 60 years. He currently lives with his family in a small, dilapidated house in Ho Chi Minh City.

Now 84 years old, artist Phuong Binh said his health has declined due to multiple surgeries for a tumor. However, if his health allows, he still performs in some places, even though the pay is not much.

He still preserves many stage memories through photos, books and newspapers, and affirms that he has never stopped loving art, despite many hardships in life.

Vu Linh Vuong: Living quietly in a 10 square meter rented room

Artist Vu Linh Vuong was once a prominent singer of many reformed opera troupes, performing with famous names such as Ut Bach Lan, Ha My Xuan, Phuong Tung, Minh Canh... He worked in troupes such as Bong Hong Vang, Long An 1...

Currently, he lives alone in a rented room of about 10 square meters, the rent is 2.5 million VND per month. Due to his old age and poor health, he has difficulty in daily activities. Kind neighbors often help him, some cook, some do the laundry.

Although he lived simply, he still loved his job and always wanted to stand on stage once more.

According to the sharing, artist Vu Vuong Linh used to have a very wealthy life, with a villa and a company. However, he confided that because of business failures, his assets also disappeared.

At that time, he worked very hard and had no time to rest. When he was old, an unexpected incident happened, causing everything to disappear.

Before, when he could still walk, the male artist's life was very active, all his business and performances were very favorable. After the fourth stroke, he had to leave his fate to sit in a wheelchair. Luckily, when he had the acciden.t, he was helped by neighbors and friends, so he really appreciates everyone's affection.

Linh Huyen: Ca Cai Luong in the film won Cannes, 50 years of searching for his biological father in vain Đình Như20:47:22 05/06/2025Referring to Linh Huyen, lovers of Cai Luong art will immediately remember many plays for which she is the author. Despite being far from his homeland, artist Linh Huyen has been attached to the cause of education for 16 years to contribute to the art of cai luong.