Chinese circus troupe to perform in Hanoi

A famous circus troupe from Yunnan province will give four performances at the Hanoi Central Circus from June 14-17.
The talented Chinese artists will amaze Vietnamese audiences with their astounding and daring acrobatic acts which have won high international acclaims.

The circus has performed at many important events including the celebration for the anniversary of ASEAN-China relations, as well as opening ceremonies of international exhibitions and international circus festivals.

Hanoi is part of the troupe’s Trans-Vietnam tour. Earlier, it enthralled Ho Chi Minh City audiences with a total of 14 shows.

American brings melody to Vietnam’s noisy streets

The American in his 50s typically parks his bicycle next to the concert hall, on the corner of Dong Khoi and Cao Ba Quat streets, at about 11 a.m.

Then, he gives his own impromptu concert, performing for motorbike taxi and rickshaw drivers, office workers on their lunch breaks, and hotel security guards. Many drivers stopping at the traffic light also turn to enjoy Jake’s music for a few seconds.

“I love to play flute at this city corner and bring joy to everyone,” Jake tells Tuoi Tre. “The flute sound is mixed into the urban noises made by vehicles, horns, the wind, and pigeons.”

Jake traded in his American band for several Vietnamese ones after he moved to this country six years ago. He also exchanged his silver flute for bamboo ones, which he plays from Hue to Nha Trang, and Singapore to Malaysia.

“Since I got to know the bamboo flute, I have realized this is a perfect instrument that can transmit the natural beauty of music,” he says. “On this street stage, I can play all kinds of flutes and introduce different music genres to everyone.”

One local has listened to Jake play so much that he knows his routine.

“He stands outside when it is sunny or under a hotel’s eaves when it rains,” says Nguyen Van Thang, a motorbike taxi driver. “It is great to hear melodies from his flute in the city.”

After performing and talking to locals in basic Vietnamese, Jake hops on his bicycle and heads home to District 3.

“I travel around Saigon and even went to Vung Tau on this bike,” Jake says. “I own a scooter but don’t like it at all. Riding bicycles is convenient and healthy -- plus it’s good for my flute breath control.”

On Hue’s ancient bridges, a win for preservation

The People’s Committee in Thua Thien Hue Province announced its decision in the face of opposition from local researchers who said the traffic proposal could destroy the artifacts.

Officials had hoped to ease traffic congestion across the Ngu Ha River in the Hue Citadel by widening the Vinh Loi and Kho bridges to more than 10 meters.

Instead, they said they will separate traffic flow by allowing cars to travel only north to south on Vinh Loi, since congestion is usually caused by large vehicles getting stuck on the bridge and blocking traffic.

The committee also announced it would build two new bridges, Bac Te and Binh Kieu.

Controversy first erupted in February, when preservations voiced worries over the traffic plan.

Researcher Mai Khac Ung, former research manager at the Hue Relic Conservation Center, said expanding the bridges would require reconstruction of the citadel’s road and gates, thus damaging the entire architecture of the combined relic.

Another expert, Professor Hoang Dao Kinh, suggested building new bridges if easing traffic was necessary.

Indonesian art troupes help disabled children

A wide variety of Indonesian arts were showcased in Ha Noi at a cultural event organised on Sunday night by the country's Embassy in Ha Noi.

The Indonesian Cultural Night and Charity featured performances by Nusantara Citra Group and Angkung and the event was attended by locals, expatriates, and diplomats based in Ha Noi.

Money raised from ticket sales was donated to Bo De Pagoda in the capital which houses disabled children.

Tran Dac Loi, chairman of Foreign Relations of the Communist Party's Central Committee, said: "I believe that art and cultural activities will enhance mutual understanding and awareness of the similarities between the peoples of Indonesia and Viet Nam.

"We appreciate the initiative and noble efforts of the Indonesian embassy and Indonesian community in Viet Nam … to help and care for disadvantaged communities in Viet Nam."

VNN/VOV/VNS/Tuoi Tre