VietNamNet Bridge – Hue Royal Traditional Theatre is conducting research on masks worn by performers in Hue's traditional tuong (classical opera).

Documents, materials and photos collected from the research will help revive the traditional art of mask painting.

The research will also help beginners of tuong performances understand the cultural meaning and symbolism of colours in the masks, according to Le Mai Phuong, head of the research group.

Colours in masks worn by tuong artists represent certain human characters and specific emotions that allow the audience to understand the story being told.

Many veteran traditional drama artists, including 99-year-old La Chau who performed Hue's tuong during the Nguyen dynasty, is taking part in the research, which will last until May next year.

* Vietbooks launches search for culinary specialities

The Viet Nam Book of Records (Vietbooks) is launching a search for the most prominent specialities of Viet Nam.

The search will classify 100 natural and 100 processed specialities in all the 63 provinces and cities.

Le Tran Truong An, Vietbooks general director, said the work aimed to introduce and promote Vietnamese cuisine to people across the country as well as foreigners.

Since July last year, Vietbooks has collected more than 300 natural and processed specialities from across the country.

The official lists will be announced in August following the completion of the survey, which is based on the opinions of the 63 provincial culture, sports and tourism departments, tourism agents, speciality manufacturers, cultural experts and research centres.

In November, Vietbooks will organise a meeting to introduce Vietnamese specialities to the public.

* HCM City art photography festival seeks entrants

The HCM City Artistic Photographers Association is seeking entries for its art photography festival in 2011.

Professionals and amateurs are invited to enter up to eight 30 by 45cm colour or black-and-white photographs with the theme HCM City's Beauty to the association at 122 Suong Nguyet Anh Street, District 1, before August 22.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News