Art & Entertainment News 25/5 Vietnamese Ao Dai introduced in New York Designer Thuan Viet and models. Two collections of Ao Dai (Vietnamese traditional dresses) were introduced to international friends at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City in the United States on May 23. The show was under a cultural and arts programme for the conservation of wildlife species with the participation of eight Asian countries - Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mongolia and Vietnam. The collections included 30 dresses by designer Thuan Viet and were shown onVietnamese models from New York City, New Jersey and Washington. The dresses’ patterns were embroidered with the image of tigers from kinds of Vietnamese folk paintings and crystal glass flowers. In addition to the show, a workshop on Dong Ho folk painting and a display of Hoi An lanterns were held during the programme. Through unique cultural activities, international friends could know more about the beauty of landscapes, people and culture of Vietnam. Mexico's top guitarist to perform in Ha Noi Mexico's top guitarist, Juan Carlos Laguna,will play in Ha Noi Opera House on Monday evening. Laguna will also deliver a lecture at the Viet Nam National Academy of Music on the following day. Laguna studied music at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, graduating with high honour. He is considered by international critics as one of the most important guitarists in his country. He has been a soloist for orchestras in Mexico and around the world. The event will be part of activities to mark the 40th anniversary of Vietnamese-Mexican relations. Free tickets can be collected at the Mexican Embassy. Vo Trong Nghia Architects Vietnam sweeps FuturArc Awards  The Vietnamese architectural firm of Vo Trong Nghia Architects swept top honours in the Individual Residential category of the 2015 FuturArc Green Leadership Awards, for its House for Trees project. It also received three consolation prizes for its Son La Restaurant and Kontum Indochine Café projects in the Commercial and Green Renovation in Multiple Residential categories. The FuturArc Green Leadership Awards have been organized by BCI Group since 2009, aiming to seek and award ideas for innovative and green designs friendly to environment of Asia. Book on former political prisoners on Con Dao issued A book entitled ‘Political Prisoners arrested on Con Dao (1957-1975) – A look back on realities’ was officially introduced to readers on May 24 in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho. The six-volume book, which was published by the Liaison Committee for Con Dao Former Political Prisoners and People's Army Publishing House, is a collection of notes by former political prisoners who were in custody in Con Dao Prison in Ba Ria – Vung Tau provice. It features the heroic struggle of former political prisoners in Con Dao prison against American imperialists from 1957 to 1975. The book focuses on key activities including building Party organisation in the prison, promoting political thought work, resisting enemies and the victory of the struggle. In addition, the book also criticises the wrong perspectives and individuals who betrayed the country and surrendered to the enemy. The publishing of the book is expected to contribute to preserving the proud past of the nation as well as educating young people about patriotic traditions and national pride. Hoi An ancient town launches tourism promotions The ancient city of Hoi An has launched a variety of tourism promotions between May and August, officials at the city's Culture and Sport Centre said. Promotions include a free ticket when a group of 15 tourists book a visit to the old quarter in Hoi An, while a five-member group staying at a home-stay or hotel in Hoi An will be awarded one ticket to visit the old quarter. According to the centre, restaurants and tailors will also offer promotions of 10 to 20 percent discounts, while hotels and resorts offer 10 to 40 percent discounts for tourists during the three-month promotion. Additionally, groups of 10 to 13 tourists booking a tour and staying on Cham Island on Saturday, 18km off the coast of Hoi An beach, will receive three free tickets to explore the World Biosphere reserve on the island. Also, a series of cultural programmes will be organised in July in celebration of summer holidays, including the Friday Street Food Festival at Dong Hiep night market, the Hoi An Carpentry Crafts Day, the beach tourism Day on Cham Island, lantern releasing in the Hoai River and Wedding Photos at Hoi An exhibition. Creative festive day for Vietnamese aspirations opens Books offering lodestar for a better life will be introduced to the youth during the creative festive day for Vietnamese aspirations which kicked off at the Vietnam Youth Academy in Hanoi on May 23. At the event, PhD Nguyen Manh Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Youth Federation, highlighted that the event is a chance for young people to broaden their knowledge through meetings with international experts in different fields. During the event which lasts until 28 in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, various activities are organised such as an eloquent contest about an interesting book that can change life. The competitors will share their viewpoints on applying precious knowledge from books to create success and happiness for individuals, families and the community. The event is jointly held by the Vietnam Youth Federation, the Trung Nguyen Coffee Company and the Centre for Business and Business Support (BSA). It is part of the business start-up programme launched since 2012 with the commitment of presenting 100 million books to 23 million young people nationwide. Fahasa offers discounts on children’s books HCMC-based book distributor Fahasa is offering 10-50% discounts on more than 100,000 copies of books and 10,000 toys and educational items for children from May 15 to June 30. The promotion is in line with Fahasa’s book issue and other activities in honor of children in the 2015 summer and also in celebration of International Children’s Day (June 1). Bookstores of Fahasa will feature different entertainment and art activities in summer for children, including an area presenting books of Hachette Publishing House at Nguyen Hue Bookstore at 40 Nguyen Hue Boulevard from early July to mid-August, and a festival offering books and products at reduced prices from June 12 to 20 at the Exhibition Hall, 92 Le Thanh Ton Street in HCMC’s District 1. Between July 15 and August 30, the distributor will give discounts of 10-17% and start a price stabilization program for schooling items ahead of the new school year of 2015-2016. The firm will also hold summer book festivals on the outskirts, including Can Thanh Park in Can Gio District from May 27 to 31, Hoc Mon District Cultural Center from June 3 to 7, and Cu Chi District Cultural Center from June 10 to 14, with big discounts on books, toys and other products. In addition, Fahasa will give 40 gift packages worth a combined VND15 million (US$688) to needy students at Le Dinh Chinh elementary school in Binh Thanh District. ‘Ao dai’ featuring modern HCM City to be showcased in Korea A Vietnamese fashion designer will take his latest “ao dai” (traditional long gown) collection which features images of a bustling, dynamic Ho Chi Minh City to a Republic of Korea's cultural fest early next week. Thuan Viet will debut his collection, “My love, my city,” at the Vietnam Cultural Fest, which is slated to run from May 25 to 30 in Busan and Seoul. The collection boasts tasteful traditional “ao dai” designs which have photos by local photographer Jet Huynh printed on their two flaps. The photos accentuate the city’s icons including the newly opened Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, and Ben Thanh Market, both located in the downtown city, and glittery skyscrapers which tower against the night sky. A clutch of Vietnamese beauty queens and emerging models will be sent to the cultural event. Earlier this month, Viet also introduced his two other “ao dai” collections in a wildlife-protection program, which took place at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. One of these two assortments, named “Ngu Ho” (Five Tigers), boasts old-style loose-fitting “ao dai” which highlight decorative patterns and stylized images of tigers from Vietnamese folklore. This fashion event was meant to enhance people’s awareness of these feline members and spread the message of conservation with artistic activities to Asian countries. Photo exhibit calls for support for Nepal A photo exhibition is taking place in Ho Chi Minh City with the aim of raising funds for earthquake victims in Nepal. The event displays 45 photos capturing the Nepalese charming landscape, Buddhist features and lifestyle. The Southern Asian country has recently bore the brunt of twin quakes that killed more than 8,600 people and left thousands without food, clean water and shelters. Each photo is sold for 2.5 million VND (116 USD). Money generated through the exhibition, excluding organisation costs, will be donated to support those victims. The Ho Chi Minh City Photographic Association together with two online forums - tinhte.vn, vnphoto.net - hosted the charitable event which lasts through May 25. Vietnamese culture fascinates visitors at Mexican fair Thousands of visitors have visited the Vietnamese stand at the ongoing sixth Friends’ Culture Fair in Mexico City, Mexico. They were fascinated with symbols of the Vietnamese culture such as Ao Dai (traditional long dress) and palm-leaf conical hats, as well as the country ’s traditional products including handicrafts and food. Many asked about Son Doong cave, the world’s largest cave in Phong Nha- Ke Bang National Park and information on tourism and flights to Vietnam. The annual fair has been held since 2009 in a view to tightening solidarity and friendship among different cultures in the world. This year’s event has attracted booths from 94 countries and territories, with more than 200 cultural activities to be organised until May 27. Argentine press extol Vietnam’s most imposing cave The beauty of Vietnam’s mot imposing cave, Son Doong was recently extolled in an article carried by Clarin, Argentina’s biggest online news website. The website also published a 6-minute video capturing the mighty scenery in the cave. The article reported that Son Doong was discovered in 1991 but the first exploration of the cave was made in 2009. It is located in Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, about 500 kilometres from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, The cave, the world’s largest natural cave, is 4.8 kilometres long, 201 metres high and 149.3 metres wide. It is home to a network of underground rivers, tropical jungle and even beaches. US photographer Ryan Deboodt was quoted as saying that the cave is an alien planet in Earth. German art graced among Vietnamese children German mask-making activity have brought great spellbinding experience to Vietnamese children, who attend the special education programme held by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Goethe Institute on May 23. Through the activity, children’s thoughts and feelings about the art were channeled, helping them develop artistry, teamwork and presentation skills. Coming to the event which also takes place on May 24 and 31, they have a chance to discover German people and culture through exploring an art exhibition featuring 23 German masterpieces, which range from expressionist work to more realistic depictions of German life. The event, jointly held by the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum and the Goethe Institute, is part of the exhibition “New Paintings from Germany”. It is organised on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations. The exhibition, which opened on May 14 and will run until May 31, is showcasing works of six German artists, ranging from large-scale formatted figurative paintings to smaller pieces of wood. In the past few years, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum has held numerous experienced education programmes, drawing the participation of thousands of parents and children of all ages. Song book celebrates Children's Day  The Da Nang Publishing House and Hong An Bookstore have collaborated on a book of children's songs by Nguyen Van Hien to mark International Children's Day on June 1. The book, titled Collection of Children's Song by Nguyen Van Hien, which includes 150 songs, has enriched the supply of music for the children, which have been in short supply. The songs were written about children's affection for parents, grandparents, teachers and friends as well as their love for their home towns. The collection is considered a precious references for music lovers, especially to officials in charge of local Ho Chi Minh Young Pioneer organisations and members of the children's cultural houses throughout the nation. Among the songs in the collection is Hong Dam Dau (Don't Dare!), which is on the list of the best 50 children's Vietnamese songs in the 20th century. The song has become so familiar to everyone that its lyric are used in daily conversation. Songwriter Hien was born on March 6, 1953 in the central province of Binh Dinh. As a graduate from Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, he focused on writing light music and children's songs. Hien has been a favourite songwriter for many generations of children, and has been praised in many programmes like Nhac Sy Cua Thieu Nhi and Nhac Sy Cua Chung Em (The Children's Songwriters). "I have heard many good songs since I was small," Hien said in an interview with Ho Chi Minh Youth Union. "So I feel the responsibility of writing good songs to the young generations as well. Up to now, I have written about 200 songs for the children". Tam Hai resort wins Certificate of Excellence Travel website TripAdvisor gave the French-influenced Le Domaine De Tam Hai Resort in Quang Nam the 2015 Certificate of Excellence. This award was a direct result of consistently great reviews from TripAdvisor travellers on the quality of sleep they got, as well as the rooms, service, value and cleanliness. The 10ha romantic resort has 11 identical villas scattered between coconut palms, each with a private terrace and a view of the sea. Last year TripAdvisor also voted the Silk Village in Hoi An the third best attraction in the ancient city complex. HCM City plays dwell on post-war battles HCM City theatres are offering a variety of new and interesting shows on soldiers to suit audiences looking for serious topics. Bravery, love and betrayal are featured in director Tran Ngoc Giau's Chien Binh (The Soldier), a cai luong (reformed opera) play staged by the Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theatre. Attracting young and talented actors, including Que Tran and Le Tu, Chien Binh provides fans with lessons in revolutionary heroism. The play depicts the life of Sau Thanh (played by Trong Phuc), a war veteran who faces challenges in the postwar period. Thanh and his close friend, Bay Tan (played by Tu), a soldier who earns a lot of money from his dubious business activities, fight in an underground battle. "After watching, audiences can see themselves in the characters and find lessons," said the play's director Giau. The play, with modern light and sound effects, is being staged every weekend at the Opera House in District 1. Shows at HCM City University of Cinematography and Theatre are more familiar to local students and workers. This season, the theatre is offering two serious plays, Bong Hong Vang (Golden Rose) and Guong Mat Ke Khac (The Face) at its theatre located in Cong Quynh Street, District 1. The plays, highlighting soldiers and their challenges in work and family, have been performed every night to the end of July. For more quiet selections, try the popular stages of the HCM City Drama Theatre in Pham Ngu Lao Street and Sen Viet Stage on Tran Hung Dao Street. HCM City Drama Theatre performs Vong Xoay Nghiet Nga (The Cruel Circle) while its competitor, Sen Viet Stage, introduces Khong The Khac (Unchangeable), both of which feature war veterans and their problems they face in daily life. "Unlike other theatres, we decided to stage serious plays this season because we hope through our plays, audiences can be entertained, but also can gain useful lessons," said director Doan Ba of HCM City Drama Theatre. "Our shows have received a warm response from critics and theatre lovers," he said. An option is the Thai Nguyen Drama Stage, a leading art troupe of the mountainous province of Thai Nguyen, which recently staged a four-act play on President Ho Chi Minh. The work Be Phong (Launching Platform) focuses on the life and work of the President in the period of 1963 and 1967 during the American war. It also highlights the President in daily life. "I wanted to spotlight our leader's remarkable ideas for achieving his country's independence and freedom under so many challenges," said scriptwriter Le Quy Hien, who spent several years writing plays about the President. "Facing hard challenges, our Uncle Ho always believed in the country's future victory. Although he passed away, his great ideas still live forever," he said. His previous play on the President, Bac Khong Phai La Vua (I'm Not a King Says President Ho Chi Minh), won top prize for best play presented by the Viet Nam Theatre Artists Association in 2010. Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/SGT/SGGP/TT/TN/Dantri