British dance ensemble to brighten Vietnam stages

Two stunning contemporary dance productions “Without Stars” and “There We Have Been” inspired by Haruki Murakami’s novel Norwegian Wood are set to light up Vietnam stages this October.

James Cousins and his dancers will hit the Youth Theatre in Hanoi for a one-night-only show on October 22 and the IDECAF stage in Ho Chi Minh City on October 25-25.

A graduate of the London Contemporary Dance School, James Cousins founded his dance company in 2012 along with creative producer Francesca Moseley.

Also in 2012, he was the recipient of the inaugural Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures Choreography Award.

“Saving Every Woman, Saving Every Child” photo exhibition

A photo exhibition shining the light on challenges women and girls around the globe face sponsored by the Embassy of Canada is set to take place at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi from October 9-21.

The photographs showcase images from countries where Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) has supported programmes to improve the quality of life of mothers and children.

The event runs until October 21.

Hoi An ancient town's nights attract thousands of visitors

Quang Nam provincial leaders held a meeting on October 7 reviewing the city’s revitalization programme and implementation of road safety projects for pedestrians.

The building of a traditional cultural space reflecting local residents’ lives in the early 20th century has transformed Hoi An into an attractive destination for millions of local and foreign visitors.

Over the years, more than 200 nights of the ancient town have been organized periodically, of which 50 nights have served over 3,000 local and foreign arrivals and supported cultural exchanges and beauty contest events.

Especially, since 2004, the project on roads for pedestrians and non-vehicle has been officially put into operation, turning the ancient town’s nights into unique tourism products.

Hoi An Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Su said the unanimity and active response of local citizens have played the most important role in helping Hoi An possess such unique products.

Many local people have sacrificed their living space to revitalize “a living heritage”, Su emphasized.

Canon PhotoMarathon 2014 hits record with 5,000 contestants

Canon PhotoMarathon in HCMC’s Quan Khu 7 Stadium on Saturday has set a new record for the competition’s nine-year history with nearly 5,000 participants, beating the largest-ever attendance for any Canon PhotoMarathon across Asia.

Nguyen Thi Thuy An with the photo topic Sweet Home won the overall competition with a ticket to Japan to join the Canon Photo Clinic for 9 days where there will be other winning contestants from Singapore, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. An also received a Canon EOS 6D camera and a PIXMA MG7170 photo printer.

“I was quite shocked when the grand prize was announced. This is the 4th time I participated in this contest. The message in the photo is a home to many orphans and myself have had many special memories with babies,” said An.

The remaining awards include first prize, second prize and third prize for each contest theme, and other prizes such as prizes for the youngest and oldest contestants, and the funniest photo.

This year’s topics continued the spirit of promoting the people and culture of Vietnam, as seen in previous events. The topics were not foreign to contestants, but they required a high level of creativity and innovation.

All of the proceeds raised from registration fees will be contributed to the “Canon – Help with Love” Fund, dedicated to helping underprivileged children.

Autumn’s sensation depicted on canvas

Melodies, charm and sensation of autumn are being displayed in a group exhibition by Kao Van Khanh, Tran Hong Duc, Nguyen Giang Anh and Pham Thanh Toan at Tu Do Gallery in HCMC’s District 1.

When people feel that first crisp breeze, it means summer is gone and autumn is in the air. Every season has its upside; however, autumn has a particular beauty to it. Artists revel in its beauty to depict their passion and different sensation tones for the season on the canvas.

To Khanh, autumn recalls memories about a man with a cigarette, a woman with a black hat or a girl in violet dress. Characters in his remembrance are imperfect shapes wafting under bass color tones like dark blue, cobalt color or gray, eliciting a nostalgic feeling for viewers.

Meanwhile, Duc depicts the autumn’s beauty in the changes of urban constructions, nuance of streets and facelifts of trade centers. Colorful layers of oil seem to fall onto the canvas at random.

Unlike Khanh, the autumn in Anh’s eyes is happy and delighted reminiscences about a guitar player or a girl with a red hat. Autumn in Toan’s paintings is filled with romantic moments and melancholic stories.

The show will run until October 30 at the gallery, 53 Ho Tung Mau Street in HCMC’s District 1.

Sparkling galaxy in Nguyen Quang Son’s lacquer

*Black - White, a solo exhibition of works by Binh Duong-based artist Nguyen Quang Son, is opening at the Craig Thomas Gallery, featuring a new style of abstract in lacquer, instead of traditional realism style with images of the countryside, pagodas and still-life.

Lacquer is among the most technically demanding and time consuming materials for an artist to work with. However, born and raised in Binh Duong Province referred to as the “lacquer cradle”, Son has a reason to claim lacquer as more attractive than other materials. “I know and understand this special material and am more intrigued by the possibilities of lacquer than I am of any other kind of materials,” said Son.

The flawless colors and smooth finishing achieved in his paintings is the evidence for his fluency in lacquer. Eschewing the traditional themes of temples and rural life common to most Vietnamese lacquer paintings, Son has chosen a more abstract route for his latest collection. He uses large quantities of sliced pieces of mother of pearl, inlaid into the lacquer and sanded to a delicate fineness, to create his abstract compositions.

Set against the deep black background of the lacquer, Son’s images glitter and sparkle evoking the infinite universe.

The exhibition will run until November 3 at the gallery, 27i Tran Nhat Duat Street in HCMC’s District 1.

Vietnamese students in UK hold art exhibition

A contemporary art exhibition was launched by Vietnamese students in London from September 29 to October 5, telling stories about the first days overseas students set foot abroad and how they gradually adapted to the new situation and pursued their passion for art.

Between the overwhelming of cultural exchange and social network, the exhibition entitled “Settling” captures the state of experiencing the artist’s journey, whether it’s physical or emotional, in and out, or simply their merging phase of body, mind, and the surrounding.

Works range from abstract paintings, three-dimensional installations and photography that portray the sentiments or peculiar behavior of the artists.

Student Nguyen Ngoc Mai Huynh from the University College London (UCL) said five Vietnamese artists and friend from Hong Kong (China),

through the exhibition, want to send a message on the need to adapt to a multi-cultural host society.

South African culture introduced in HCM City

A South African cultural exchange and a food festival were held at Animus Lounge in Ho Chi Minh City on October 6.

Visitors to the event had a chance to taste a number of famous South African wines and learn more about their health benefits.

Honorary Consul for South Africa in Vietnam, Do Thi Kim Lien, said the festival aimed to help Vietnamese people understand more about the cuisine, art and culture of South Africa.

On the occasion, visitors were also introduced to an Italian luxury glass brand Luigi Bormioli.

Luigi Bormioli's sales manager Paolo Ganapini said Vietnam is a highly potential market. Over the years, a wide range of the world’s famous fashion and perfume brands have entered the Vietnam market, which means the daily lives of Vietnamese citizens is improving, he added.

Vietnamese folk music spotlighted in Berlin

Two compositions by world renowned Vietnamese concert guitarist and composer Dang Ngoc Long were a repertoire requirement at the International Guitar Competition and Festival 2014, which transpired in Berlin from October 3-5.

The two compulsory pieces included Ru con (Baby Lullaby) and Hoi Tuong (Recall).

At the opening ceremony, musician Dang Ngoc Long and fellow artists performed a number of Vietnamese folk songs, garnering a massive applause from the audience.

This year’s competition attracted 16 entries from over 11 nations and territories from around the globe.

The first prize went to guitarist Jakob Bangsø from Denmark along with cash prize of EUR8,000.

The contest is open to contestants aged 32 or under and has held biennially since 2006 under the auspices of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Goethe Institute, the DEGEWO Group, and other organisations.

Children's art display marks Liberation Day

Art by children who entered a road safety painting contest went on display today as one among a series of cultural events the culture ministry holds to celebrate the capital's Liberation Day on October 10.

The contest called for colourful art about traffic safety and rules. Members of the Viet Nam Fine Arts Association selected winning paintings from 1,200 submissions.

The exhibition will run until October 12 at the Viet Nam Centre for Art and Cultural Exhibitions, 2 Hoa Lu Street in Ha Noi.

During the event, visitors can watch a traditional puppet show on traffic safety by artist Phan Thanh Liem.

Situated in a small alley on Kham Thien Street, on the fourth floor of his four-story house, Liem's water puppetry stage has become popular among tourists in recent years. He has written skits on traffic safety and performed in schools.

"This way, students are introduced to traffic rules and water puppetry at the same time," he said.

The exhibition centre also hosted art from 318 domestic painters, on materials such as canvas, lacquer, silk paintings, wood blocks and sculpture.

"Each artwork is unique and depicts its author's own style," said Pham Kim Binh, chairwoman of the Ha Noi Fine Arts Association.

The artwork portrayed Ha Noi's people, lifestyles, history and landscape, marked important historical events and depicted traditional customs.

South Korea's Seoul artists also sent 22 pieces for the show.

"Through their art, the South Korean artists expressed their love for Ha Noi, and enhanced the friendship between the two cities," Binh said.

The exhibition centre organised a talk show commemorating the soldiers and people who fought for the capital's liberation from the French in 1954. It will premiere 1ive on HTV1 tonight.

On Saturday night, artists and singers will perform songs praising the city and its history during an outdoor concert at the exhibition centre.

About sixty photographs featuring the 1954 liberation of the capital city are on display at the Viet Nam National Library here.

The 10-day exhibit, entitled Ha Noi-Ngay Tiep Quan (Ha Noi-Liberation Day), runs until October 16 at the Library at 31 Trang Thi Street.

The event is expected to remind the Vietnamese people of these glorious moments and on October 10 60 years ago when the Vietnamese army took over the capital city from French troops.

Residents who witnessed this historical event took most of the photographs while the rest came from Vietnamese and foreign journalists.

Also on display are 50 books and 20 magazines about Ha Noi which Vietnamese and foreign authors wrote before, during and after Liberation Day.

Young comedian joins top stars in HCM City stage production

Promising comedian Thu Trang will perform in her first ever stage production tomorrow in HCM City.

Hai Hay Hu Hon (What a Good Play) will feature three short plays – Cai Gio Rac (Waste Basket) written by Vu Thanh, Ganh Hat Chau (Troupe of Chau Van - a ceremonial music genre generated from the northern province of Nam Dinh) and Quan Che 3C (3C Sweet Pudding Shop) by Bao Ngoc.

Trang, 30, said, "The plays are not just funny but also reflect on various aspects of life.

"The show is [a fulfilment of] my dream to stage good works in the best possible conditions."

She will be joined on stage by top comedians Hoai Linh, Tran Thanh, Huu Quoc, and Truong Giang, and singers Ngo Kien Huy and Tieu Chau Nhu Quynh will be special guests in the audience.

Trang, who graduated from the HCM City College of Theatre and Cinema in 2004, learnt acting there from veteran artist Minh Nhi.

But by 2003 she had begun to perform in cafeterias.

After graduation she was invited by popular city theatres like 5B, Phu Nhuan, and Nu Cuoi Moi.

In 2012 Trang was nominated for the first time for a Mai Vang (Golden Ochna) Award for her role of a reporter called Bong Sen Tim in comedy-horror play Hoa Hon (Paint the Spirits) staged by The Gioi Tre Theatre.

Her stocks have been rising since. She was again nominated in 2013.

This year she was nominated for HCM City Television's HTV Awards where she rubbed shoulders with star comedians like Hoai Linh and Kim Xuan.

The actress has also acted in movies. This year she appeared in two popular films - Director Victor Vu's Co Dau Dai Chien 2 (Battle of the Brides 2) and Tran Cong Thanh's Xui Ma Hen (Crazy Lucky).

She is working in two more films - Phan Minh's Toc Do va Duong Cong (Speed and Curve) and Director Charlie Nguyen's De Hoi Tinh (Let Hoi Deal With It) - which are set for a Lunar New Year release.

Hai Hay Hu Hon will be staged at Nam Quang Theatre, 147 Cach Mang Thang 8, District 3.

Bac Ninh province restores old houses for “Quan ho” gatherings

The northern province of Bac Ninh is taking steps to restore two “Nha chua Quan ho” (houses where Quan ho singers gathered for training and performances) in Bac Ninh City and Tien Du district which are home to original “Quan ho” villages .

“Quan ho” (love duet singing) combines various elements, including music, lyrics, costume and a unique style of singing that reflects the intimate relationship between the singers and the distinctive culture of the region’s population, formerly known as Kinh Bac.

In the past, besides public performances at communal houses or temples, “quan ho” singers in each village had their own gathering place - the “Nha chua Quan ho” where they trained every night or received fellow singers from other villages. However, such places have almost disappeared at present.

Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Phong said an investment of around 12 billion VND will be

poured into the restoration of the houses, built in the old common style of houses in the region.

The move is part of the locality’s efforts to preserve and promote the values of this musical genre, which was recognised as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity in 2009 by UNESCO.

In addition to love duet singing, Bac Ninh is also home to “Ca Tru” ceremonial singing, which was listed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent protection in 2009, and the Dau and But Thap pagodas, that were recently recognised as special national heritage sites.

It is considered the locality with the most festivals in Vietnam , with 547 festive events held each year. Many festivals are famous throughout the country, such as Ba Chua Kho Festival, Lim Festival, Dau Pagoda Festival, Kinh Duong Vuong Festival and Phat Tich Pagoda Festival, which attract tens of thousands of visitors.

Precious antiquities discovered in Ha Tinh

Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ha Tinh province has announced that a group of archaeologists have discovered some precious antiques in the area of Huong Son mountain district.

The precious antiques include two ancient blue teapots and a ceramic tea jar, which are found in Son Bang commune’s household.

Two teapots were made by ceramic material and decorated foliage, flower patterns. Tthe big teapot’s height is 12 centimeters and diameter of 10 centimeters, meanwhile, the small teapot’s height is 8 centimeters and diameter of seven centimeters.

Archaeological experts considered that the precious antiques had origin from Thanh Dynasty and were used in the daily life of the royal families in feudal society.

Nguyen Hue Boulevard to become walking zone

The Nguyen Hue Boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City will be upgraded to the walking Zone. The project is estimated to cost about VND398billion, according to the Urban Traffic Management Zone 1 under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transportation.

After upgrading, the Nguyen Hue street will be paved with granite and decorated with art lighting system, fountains, underground control center for lighting and musical water shows, and public restrooms.

According to project planning and the architectural space, the entire existing Nguyen Hue Street will have the length of 670 meters, the width of 64 meters and greenery area around the new President Ho Chi Minh monument.

The roundabout area of Nguyen Hue Boulevard has been blocked for construction of the underground station of Metro Line No.1 and in preparation for the upgrade of this street.

For this reason, the Flower Street 2015 and Book Street Festival, the annual flower show which are often taken place on Nguyen Hue street on the Lunar New Year, will be moved to Ham Nghi Street.

Vietnamese version of Le Thanh Khoi’s history book debuts

The Vietnamese version of the book on Vietnam’s history written in French by Prof. Le Thanh Khoi will debut on October 7 at the Institute forCultural Exchange with France (IDECAF), 31 Thai Van Lung Street in HCMC’s District 1.

The book, “Lich Su Viet Nam, Tu Nguon Goc Den Giua The Ky XX” (History of Vietnam, from origin to the middle of the 20th century), is believed to provide a good source of reference for historians and open a gate for international researchers wanting to deepen their studies about Vietnam.

Translator Nguyen Nghi and researcher Pascal Bourdeaux will be lecturers at the launch of the book of more than 600 pages. The new book is the combination of two famous French books also written in French by the professor, including Le Viet-Nam, Histoire et Civilisation (Vietnam, History and Civilization) published by Minuit Publishing House in Paris, 1955 and L’Histoire du Viet-Nam des origines à 1858 (Vietnam’s history from origin to 1858) published by Sud- Est Asie Publishing House in Paris, 1982.

For the first time, the research on history of Vietnam, from origin to the middle of the 20th century, will come to local readers via the new book published by Nha Nam Culture and Media Company and The Gioi (World) Publishers. The book is on sale at a price of VND180,000.

Born in 1923 in Hanoi, Professor Le Thanh Khoi moved to France in 1947 to further his study, and was awarded a Ph.D degree on economics in Paris in 1949. After graduating from the Academic of International Law in Den Haag in the Netherlands, he obtained a BA at Sorbonne University.

He completed Ph.D thesis on education technology and gained a Ph.D about literature and social science in 1968. He has taught in many prestigious universities in France and has worked at many international institutes of culture, history and social development like IEDES and UNESCO.  

Last year, the professor won Phan Chu Trinh Award for his contribution to promoting Vietnamese culture and history to the world.

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