Vietnamese Concert

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30472, 20 June 1964, Page 14

Vietnamese Concert

To show their appreciation of the hospitality that is extended to them by the people of Christchurch, Vietnamese students will give a concert in the Museum Lecture Hall tonight The students hope to give an idea of Vietnam’s customs and culture by folk songs and dances. Character traits such as optimism will be portrayed In a song called “Lua Rung Dem” (“Campfire”), patriotism in a historical song called “Dien Hong” ("Conference"), love by “ Nang Chieu” (“Sunlet”), and sadness by the song “Nostalgia” Folk dances featuring daily topics will be performed by young girl students. The “mua dua” (chopsticks dance, shown tn the photograph), pictures the use of chopsticks in the preparation of silk. The gestures depict cocoons being dipped in hot water, the unwrapping and spinning of the silk threads and the weaving of the intricate patterns. The “mua non” (conical hat dance) traces the common uses of the versatile “non,” or conical hat, to shelter girls from the ■sun or the equally burning gaze of admirers, or as fans or baskets. The “non" is also believed to be the symbol of love, protecting per-

sons heads from sun and rain. In the same way love shields from evil and unhappiness. To illustrate the close relationship between Vietnamese poetry and music a song called “Ong Lai Do” (“Boatman’s Elegy”) will be interspersed with excerpts ■ of poetry recited in the traditional manner. A tittle farce will depict the simple life and tastes of country folk, telling of the misfortunes of two lads who go flirting.

A highlight of the concert will be a marriage ceremony. The man does not propose—the head of his family proposes to the head of the girl's family in the first ceremony, and the second ceremony, “ruoc dau,” (literally, “welcoming the bride”), is performed partly in the bride’s home and partly in the bridegroom’s home.

Vietnamese national dresses will also be shown. The most typical is the “ao dai,” a long dress split to the waist,, but with pants worn underneath. The dress has a tight bodice and long, narrow sleeves, usually topped by a high collar. Shoes are usually light, carved wood, gaily painted. Supper will include Vietnamese food.