From Office Desk to Lô Tô Stage: An Artist's Passionate Pursuit

In Vietnam's vibrant cultural landscape, the 'lô tô' performance art scene is gaining new artistic legitimacy, challenging traditional perceptions. An An, a 35-year-old artist whose journey began not in the performing arts but in the structured world of finance, embodies this evolution. Leaving behind a stable office job with a fixed salary, An An embraced the stage, driven by a lifelong passion for singing and performance that had been deferred due to earlier life circumstances.

“

From childhood, I loved singing and the stage, but at that time, my family didn't have the conditions, so I could only cherish that dream. I went to school, then worked normally like everyone else.

The article in Thanh Niên details An An's transition, sparked by a chance viewing of a 'lô tô' performance on television. This exposure revealed a modern, artistic dimension to 'lô tô' that differed vastly from older, perhaps less sophisticated, portrayals. Captivated by the emotional expression and artistic investment in the performances, An An sought out the Sài Gòn Tân Thời 'lô tô' troupe, eventually auditioning and finding a place among its performers.

“

At that time, I saw that the profession of singing lô tô was no longer like what I knew before. It was completely different, with investment, emotion, and art. I suddenly liked it, then I went to find out more.

An An's decision to pursue 'lô tô' professionally highlights a common theme among creative individuals in Vietnam: the tension between societal expectations of stability and the pursuit of personal passion. While family members expressed concern about the perceived precariousness of a life in the arts, An An adopted a philosophical stance, arguing that no job is absolutely secure and that personal capability is the ultimate determinant of success. This choice reflects a growing trend among younger Vietnamese generations to seek careers that offer not just financial security but also personal fulfillment and a platform for self-expression, redefining what it means to have a 'stable' career in contemporary Vietnam.

“

I just thought of simply auditioning for fun. I worked during the week and performed on weekends to relieve stress and earn a little extra income. But that's life, I didn't think I would go this far.