Phuong Binh, age 83: Lives in a 20m2 house, drives 20km to work until 12am

Once a familiar face on the Southern Cai Luong stage, artist Phuong Binh gradually passed through his golden age of glory and prosperity. However, at the age of 85, he lives in a makeshift, patchwork house, amidst quiet, sick, lonely and miserable days.

His story is not only an individual tragedy, but also a wake-up call about the neglect of those who once contributed to preserving traditional art.

The glory days of a "beautiful couple"

Artist Phuong Binh, real name Nguyen Van Binh, was born in 1947. He came to art later than many of his colleagues, not starting to study amateur singing until he was 21 years old. But with his talent and handsome appearance, he quickly made his mark on the cai luong stage.

When mentioning Phuong Binh, audiences who love the art of reformed opera cannot forget the swordplay plays that he often performed.

In 1967, he was awarded the Thanh Tam Gold Medal – one of the most prestigious awards for cai luong artists at that time – for his role as Co Gia Truong in the play Gio giao mua. Phuong Binh was considered one of the most promising leading actors, with the ability to flexibly transform into both swordplay and social roles.

He has made his mark with many roles such as Ao Vu Co Han in Tam su loai chim bien, Mo Dung Thach in Kiep nao co yeu nhau, Son Tinh in Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh, and the role of Captain Hoang Anh in Giot mau chung tinh. In addition, he also performed excellently famous vọng cổ songs with famous singer My Chau such as "Que anh, que em" or "Doi mat".

When mentioning the way artist Phuong Binh enters vọng cổ, the audience cannot forget two ancient songs that he and Meritorious Artist My Chau performed very impressively: "My hometown, my hometown" and "Doi mat" by composer Trong Nguyen.

Not only a performing artist, Phuong Binh also founded the Huong Bien opera troupe, a troupe that traveled across three regions, performing in many provinces and cities, even as far as Hanoi, and lived in the North for nearly 20 years.

During his heyday, he owned five street-front houses on Tran Hung Dao Street – an expensive area in Ho Chi Minh City – along with five cars and two trucks. He lacked nothing in material life at that time.

Downhill without brakes

Phuong Binh's career began to decline when Cai Luong declined. The audience gradually decreased, and the theater troupe had difficulty surviving. His Huong Bien troupe was not immune to the general rule. Although he tried to maintain it by opening the door for free to the audience and paying the actors, the income was not enough to cover the expenses, causing him to gradually become exhausted.

Phuong Binh's name was gradually forgotten, and his life became difficult. At the age of 85, artist Phuong Binh not only had a difficult life but also suffered from many illnesses.

In 1998, after many incidents, including the troupe being damaged by a storm while on tour in Quang Ninh, he had to sell all his assets to pay off his debts. His houses and vehicles were gone one by one. "I sold all my houses to pay off my debts, I have nothing left," he once shared in an interview. Since then, his life has been in constant misery.

In Old Age: Illness and a Patchwork Home

At the age of 85, artist Phuong Binh lives in a house of only about 20 square meters, located deep in an alley on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. The house was originally his wife's old factory, built temporarily so that the couple would have a place to live. There are no brick walls, the house is surrounded by corrugated iron sheets hastily attached to the neighbor's wall. The floor is sunken, the tiles are peeling, some places are damp, some are bare. Every time it rains, it leaks everywhere.

The bed had to be placed in the kitchen because there was no more space. The house was so small that there was only room for a small coffee table, which could be used as a place to receive guests and a dining table. He once confided: "I just wish there was a bigger door so that if something happened, I could carry the coffin out."

In addition, old age brings with it a series of illnesses. He discovered a benign tumor in his back, which had been operated on but has now recurred. Due to financial constraints, he has not been able to return for further examination or treatment. He also suffers from asthma, and once had such severe shortness of breath that he thought he would not survive. In addition, he has a mild heart condition and must use a nebulizer regularly.

The couple’s life depends on a small income. His wife, his second partner, has to work as a vegetable seller at Binh Dien wholesale market, working from 1am to 7am every day, earning about 200,000 VND. When he became seriously ill, she had to switch to washing dishes at a restaurant to take care of her husband.

Even though he is 83 years old, the male artist and his wife still struggle to make a living.

Still singing even though the stage is empty

Despite his difficult circumstances and illness, artist Phuong Binh has not given up on art. Every night, he rides his motorbike more than 20km from his home to the artist bar in the city center to sing. One day, when he arrives and is not allowed to perform, he quietly returns home. "I lost my gas money and I can't sing," he smiled sadly.

He still keeps his old guitar and a few of his performance costumes with him. For him, art is not only a passion but also a duty. "I owe cải lương, and only when I have paid off my debt can I rest in peace," he said.

Although both families are poor and cannot help much, he and his wife still try to cling to each other to survive. Colleagues such as artists Phi Phung and Phuong Dung have visited him many times, providing financial support and sharing his difficulties. "You live right in Saigon but live like you are in a remote area," a colleague said, sadly.

The cramped 20m2 house of artist Phuong Binh and his wife

Old Artists and Oblivion

Artist Phuong Binh’s story is not an isolated one. It reflects the reality of many veteran cai luong artists who once stood at the pinnacle of glory, but in their old age, they live in poverty, illness, and are forgotten. The transformation of the entertainment market, the lack of long-term support policies, and the indifference of young audiences have caused many artists to fall into a precarious existence.

However, what is valuable about artist Phuong Binh is his resilience, love for his profession and the genuine qualities of an artist who has devoted his whole life to the stage. He is a testament to the spirit of overcoming difficulties, to a generation of artists who have contributed to nurturing traditional culture, and deserves to receive more than what he has.

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