A new twist on an old art

HCM CITY — Tran Huu Trang Theatre's cai luong (reformed theatre) shows offered old stories in a modern style for HCM City theatre fans during Tet (Lunar New Year).

One of the shows featuring the play Da Chien Pha Song Ngan (Fighting on the Ngan River) describes parents' love and sacrifices for their children.

The work, written by Nam Chau, has been staged many times, attracting veteran performers such as Thanh Sang, Kim Tu Long and Phuong Lien.

In the version rewritten by Nguyen Thanh Chau, Tran Huu Trang invited young director Vu Minh to offer something new for fans.

Minh asked his young actors, including Trinh Trinh, Vo Minh Lam, Thanh Loan and Hoøng Quyen, to work hard to create a new style of cai luong singing and dancing.

He used beautiful clothes as well as light and sound effects to dazzle audiences.

"During the previous Tet, we often staged plays featuring social problems in a modern style to meet young fans' demands," said Phan Quoc Hung, director of the theatre.

"But this year we decided to provide a very old style of cai luong helping youth discover the music's nature," he said.

The VND500 million (US$22,000) play's financial success showed that Hung and others had made a wise decision.

During the Tet holiday, several thousand people visited District 5's Thu Do Theatre to discover the beauty of cai luong. The tickets have sold out for the next month.

In District 1, Kim Chau Stage introduced a series of extracts from famous plays like Hoa Moc Lan Tong Chinh (Mulan Enlists in the Army).

The play, directed by Tran Ngoc Giau, featured cai luong stars Vu Luan, Tu Suong and Thanh Thanh Tam.

Luan and his younger colleagues also performed Ong Tao (Kitchen God), a comedy featuring dances and songs based on traditional legends.

"We will travel to remote areas in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta region to stage our shows next week because we want to entertain poor farmers and children who have fewer entertainment choices than their urban counterparts," said Luan, one of the city's most talented performers.

"Most of our shows in the city offer tickets at VND150,000- 500,000 each. They cost only VND10,000 for people who live in rural areas," he said.

Like other traditional art troupes, Hung's theatre receives about VND1 billion from the Government to run the company.

"We face many challenges in offering a stable income to our performers and staging quality plays," Hung said.

He said he hoped that local companies and organisations would offer more financial support to the city's traditional music troupes. — VNS

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Mai Phuong Thuy likely to win fifth HTV Award

HCMC Television Station (HTV) will open the fifth HTV Awards next month to honor local artists with outstanding achievements during the last year.

Awards will be presented to artists in music, cinematography and drama who appear on HTV and who have greatly contributed to HTV programs in particular and to the community in general.

HTV reporters and journalists from prestigious newspapers are among the judges to pick five winners for each of the six categories (male acting, female acting, music band, drama, comedy, and cai luong).

Miss Vietnam 2006 Mai Phuong Thuy has secured the first place in the top 5 favorite actresses voted by HTV’s audience for starring as an HIV/AID victim suffering social stigma in the movie “Negative” directed by Phuong Dien in 2007.

Miss Mai Phuong Thuy

The movie has aroused much attention from the audience in recent times.

Actresses Minh Hang, Le Be La, Van Trang, Thuy Trang, and Thanh Van will also compete in this category.

Top 5 favorite actors are Huynh Dong, Truong Minh Quoc Thai, Khuong Ngoc, Hoa Hiep, and Hoang Son.

Actor Huynh Dong

In the female singer category, pop stars My Tam, Ho Quynh Huong, and Ho Ngoc Ha surprisingly were absent from the top 5 list while singer Thu Minh has for the first time ranked first in the top 5.

Singer Thu Minh

Singer Hien Thuc

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place at 20:30 pm on April 4 and will be broadcast live on HTV9 channel.

1. Music: - Male singers: Dam Vinh Hung, Duc Tuan, Ha Anh Tuan, Quang Dung, and Kasim Hoang Vu. - Female singers: Thu Minh, Hien Thuc, Cam Ly, Doan Trang, and Thanh Thuy. 2. Stage: - Drama, Comedian: Thanh Thuy, My Uyen, Hanh Thuy, Duc Thinh Idecaf, and Tuyet Thu. - Cai luong male artist: Kim Tu Long, Vu Luan, Tan Giao, Le Tu, and Trong Phuc. - Cai luong female artist: Que Tran, Phuong Hang, Tu Suong, Trinh Trinh, and Bach Tuyet. 3. Television series: - Main actors: Huynh Dong, Quoc Thai, Khuong Ngoc, Hoa Hiep, and Hoang Son. - Supporting actors: Vo Thanh Tam, Le Binh, Huy Khanh, Thach Kim Long, and Hoang Anh. - Main actresses: Mai Phuong Thuy, Minh Hang, Le Be La, Van Trang, Thuy Trang, and Thanh Van. - Supporting actresses: Hanh Thuy, Ngoc Lan, Hoai An, Thanh Thuy, and Le Phuong.

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Music bashes to celebrate New Year in Hanoi, HCMC

Several music performances are being readied in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to entertain the locals and usher in the New Year on January 1.

The Springtime Rendezvous will take place at the outdoor stage at 19:30 on January 1 at 23/9 Park, District 1’s Pham Ngu Lao Street, with performances of pop stars like Quang Linh, Thanh Thao, Quang Ha, Khanh Ngoc, Quang Vinh, and Bao Thy.

Rock lovers will have a chance to immerse themselves in electrifying performances of various rock bands, including UK rock band The Lost Souls Club and two local rock bands Unlimited and Microwave.

The event takes place at Tiger Translate 2011–Metropolis at 20:00 on January 7, District 1’s Nguyen Du Stadium, promising to rock up the city.

Also in the pipeline is Charming Vietnam Gala organized by Thanh Nien Daily Newspaper, at 20:00 on January 8-9 in Tuy Hoa City of Phu Yen Central province to raise money for the Nguyen Thai Binh Fund for poor students and the Vietnamese Talent Fund.

The event will feature famous singers, beauties, and models from across the country and the two emerging stars of Vietnam Idol 2010, Lan Nha and Uyen Linh.

The 23rd gala will witness the return of Bolero music which is expected to be a special cultural and art event in the South Central Coastal National Tourism Year 2011.

“A day of wind & haven” is also a good choice for music lovers. The event will feature French artists (Pierre Diaz, Trio Zéphyr), French performers of Vietnamese origin (singer Huong Thanh and artist Alex Tran), and Vietnamese violinist Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy. They will perform at Idecaf at 20:00 on January 12.

In the northern hub, Hanoi Cultural Friendship Palace will present the “Wise wife teaches foolish husband” drama directed by Meritorious Artist Xuan Huyen and scripted by People’s Artist Doan Hoang Giang, with the participation of a group of artists from HCMC like Hong Van, Duc Hai, Minh Hoang, Trinh Kim Chi, and Van Anh.

In other news, well-known musician Le Minh Son’s evening performance, themed “Guitar for me”, will take place on January 1 at Hanoi Opera House, in collaboration with famous local artists in the north like Tung Duong, Thanh Lam, and Ha Linh.

The capital city will also feature a children’s music show from 15:00 to 20:00 the following day at Hanoi Opera House, and “Prosperous Spring”, a music program, on 20:00 on January 4 at the Hanoi Cultural Friendship Palace, with the appearance of famous local artists Hoai Linh, Hong Van, Thanh Bach, Quang Dung, Thanh Thao, Anh Tho, Thanh Thanh Hien.

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Technicolour images of the abstract artist

by Vo Le Hong

Naked ambition: Van Duong Thanh poses next to one of her works. — VNS Photo Sunny Rose     A load on their shoulders: Women Carrying Rice on a Shoulder Pole, a painting by Thanh.

HCM CITY — Colour has the strongest influence on emotion, according to artist Van Duong Thanh. Her art is not about the tangible but about the abstract. But although the universe is like a fantasy, it does evoke very strong images and feelings.

Her collection of 40 abstract paintings on display at the Sai Gon Rex Hotel in HCM City reflect her worldview.

"My strongest inspiration is the Sarus crane and other animals in the Mekong Delta," Thanh says.

"I love the green of the Delta's submerged fields."

Me Con Tren Canh Dong (Mother and Children in the Field), Bay Seu Duoi Anh Trang (Cranes in the Moonlight), Nhung Nguoi Dan Ba Ganh Gao (Women Carrying Rice on a Shoulder Pole), all on display at A Sense of Homeland, are testimony to this.

The overwhelming theme of Thanh's paintings is joy, whether it is an image of a winter's evening or a rainy afternoon.

For her, dark colours are just a "low musical note in a vivid concert".

"Art is a sublimated minute of a great accumulation."

Considered one of Asia's most talented female artists, Van Duong Thanh grew up in Ha Noi where she studied for 12 years at the Fine Arts College and the Academy of Fine Arts.

She was a researcher at the Institute of Culture in the capital from 1981 to 1987, and now divides her time between Sweden, where she teaches art, and Ha Noi.

The Vietnamese National Museum of Fine Arts in the capital added Thanh's works to its collection when she was just 21.

Since then, many of her works have gone on permanent display at national museums in several other countries including Thailand, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden.

Thanh was born in Phu Yen Province and during the war often had to evacuate to the countryside to hide in tunnels or finding shelter with peasants.

It was during this period that she developed an empathy for the rural way of life and the country's traditions. After the war ended, she completed her formal education at Ha Noi's Fine Arts College in 1980.

She has held many exhibitions in Viet Nam, France, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, the US, and Sweden.

A Sense of Homeland will be on display until June 30 next year. — VNS

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Vietnam’s landscapes through Van Duong Thanh strokes

Artist Van Duong Thanh poses next to her artworks - Photo: Courtesy of the organizer

An exhibition named “Mot thoang huong que” (A glimpse of hometown) by leading Asian female artist Van Duong Thanh is on at the five-star Rex Hotel Saigon in HCMC’s District 1 to mark the launch of the hotel’s new lobby and the return of artist Van Duong Thanh after her exhibition at the HCMC Fine Arts Museum 20 years ago.

Gérard Boivineau, consul general of France in HCMC who is also a close friend of the artist, cut the ribbon and made the speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The exhibition showcases 70 oil paintings which mostly feature landscapes in the South of Vietnam, from Saigon to the Mekong Delta in the past and at the present. All the artworks were painted in strong and bright colors which carry deep emotion and feelings of Thanh towards the images of nature, women, children and ancient architecture. 

“I painted all these artworks will all my heart and enthusiasm with a hope to bring the beauty and joy to everybody,” said Van Duong Thanh.

Van Duong Thanh was born in Phu Yen Province and studied the art of paintings for twelve years during difficult times of war. She was also a student of late well-known artist Bui Xuan Phai. She lives in both Vietnam and Sweden where she teaches paintings.

Thanh has also been known in the world for her 65 international exhibitions. Some of her 1,600 works have been displayed at museums in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Sweden. Thanh has been conferred the title of “Nguoi vinh danh dat Viet” (person who brings glory to Vietnam) and “Dai su van hoa cua Vietnam” (Vietnam’s cultural ambassador).

The exhibition runs until June 30, 2011 at the lobby of the Rex Hotel Saigon.

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Vietnam’s landscapes through Van Duong Thanh strokes

Artist Van Duong Thanh poses next to her artworks - Photo: Courtesy of the organizer

An exhibition named “Mot thoang huong que” (A glimpse of hometown) by leading Asian female artist Van Duong Thanh is on at the five-star Rex Hotel Saigon in HCMC’s District 1 to mark the launch of the hotel’s new lobby and the return of artist Van Duong Thanh after her exhibition at the HCMC Fine Arts Museum 20 years ago.

Gérard Boivineau, consul general of France in HCMC who is also a close friend of the artist, cut the ribbon and made the speech at the opening ceremony of the exhibition. The exhibition showcases 70 oil paintings which mostly feature landscapes in the South of Vietnam, from Saigon to the Mekong Delta in the past and at the present. All the artworks were painted in strong and bright colors which carry deep emotion and feelings of Thanh towards the images of nature, women, children and ancient architecture. 

“I painted all these artworks will all my heart and enthusiasm with a hope to bring the beauty and joy to everybody,” said Van Duong Thanh.

Van Duong Thanh was born in Phu Yen Province and studied the art of paintings for twelve years during difficult times of war. She was also a student of late well-known artist Bui Xuan Phai. She lives in both Vietnam and Sweden where she teaches paintings.

Thanh has also been known in the world for her 65 international exhibitions. Some of her 1,600 works have been displayed at museums in Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand and Sweden. Thanh has been conferred the title of “Nguoi vinh danh dat Viet” (person who brings glory to Vietnam) and “Dai su van hoa cua Vietnam” (Vietnam’s cultural ambassador).

The exhibition runs until June 30, 2011 at the lobby of the Rex Hotel Saigon.

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Musician Thanh Son wins top literary, arts prize

HA NOI — Musician Thanh Son of Dien Bien Province won a top prize at the national literature and arts awards held in Ha Noi on Saturday.

Son received the prestigious "A" award for his song Nhung Banh Xe Mat Troi (The Sun's Wheels), which uses the image of a waterwheel turning day and night to portray hardworking ethnic groups from the mountains.

On the night 12 "B" prizes, 28 "C" prizes and 29 consolation prizes were given out. Eleven young authors received awards, as did 17 elderly authors.

Deputy chairman of the National Union for Vietnamese Literature and Arts Associations, Tung Dien said he was happy to see a trend this year towards winners who successfully used tradition to create their work. The fact that younger authors were doing so was particularly pleasing, he added.

Vietnamese cultural centre opens in Moscow

MOSCOW — A Vietnamese entertainment and culinary centre - Kowloon International - opened in Moscow on Saturday.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Bui Danh Dinh and representatives of Vietnamese companies in Russia were present at the opening night which included a fashion show and performances by famous Vietnamese singers including Thanh Lam and Tan Minh.

Pham Thi Yen, chairman of the centre's Management Council said the centre wanted to help Russia's Vietnamese community to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

"We hope the centre will become a favourite among Russians, Vietnamese and other foreigners in Moscow," said Yen.

Concert raises $30,000 for disadvantaged kids

HCM CITY — Organisers of the fourth LoretoFest aid the outdoor music festival raised more than US$30,000 through sponsorship and attendance fees to assist disadvantaged, poor and physically and mentally challenged children through education and vocational training.

Those who attended the festival had a fun day of good music, food, beverages and other activities. Kids, in particular, were able to enjoy mini golf, face painting, X-Rock climbing, circus performances, football, netball and horse riding.

LoretoFest is the Loreto Vietnam-Australia Program's largest annual fund-raising event. — VNS

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Test reveals Thanh Den’s rice grains not ancient

Rice plants sprout from grains previously thought to be 3,000 years old and discovered at Thanh Den citadel in Hanoi

Photo: Tuoi Tre

Rice grains at the Thanh Den citadel site in Hanoi's Me Linh District were tested in Japan using an age-validating Tantedron AMS machine using C14 technology and were found to not be 3,000 years old as previously believed.

The Carbon isotopic testing results were announced by Dr Lam Thi My Dung, Associate Professor and head of the Archaeology Division at Hanoi National University's History Department, who was in charge of the excavation at Thanh Den Site.

Last May the grains had generated widespread sensationalism when, thought to be 3,000 years old, they sprouted after being soaked in water for two days.

Nguyen Tri Ngoc, director of the Cultivation Department at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's (MARD) announced his department would stop supporting research related to the grains.

“There is nothing miraculous about these grains as they seem to have accidentally fallen into the Thanh Den site,” he said.

MARD initially questioned the findings though they committed to further scientific research to validate or dispute the archaeologists’ discovery with Ngoc recognizing that “no such case exists anywhere in the world.”

Dr Le Huy Ham, head of MARD's Agricultural Genetics Institute – directly involved in caring for and cultivating the “ancient rice grains” – confirmed the results of the carbon isotopic testing deeming the previous assumption a result of archaeological error and announced a halt of all research.

Scientists have explained that even the most modern technology can only preserve seeds that can sprout after a maximum of 50-100 years.

Thanh Den is a well-known Vietnamese archaeological site. Seven excavations have taken place at the site since 2001.

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