
HCMCity (VNS/VNA) - Theatre artists are taking part in aspecial project that replicates traditional Vietnamese clothes wornby royalty of various dynasties.
The project, Viet Phuc (VietnameseRoyal Costumes), introduces traditional costumes in the later Le Dynasty(1437 to 1471) and Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). It was created to helpVietnamese people, particularly youth, at home and abroad learn more aboutthe country’s history and culture.
It was launched by fashion designer Le Long Dung and his partners.
Famous artists in cai luong (reformedopera), the 100-year-old traditional art in the south, including People’sArtist Bach Tuyet, were invited to join the project.
Photos of the artists in traditional costumes made by experts will beintroduced to the public through a series of exhibitions and photo books thisyear.
“Our project is not about Vietnamese clothes. It’s about culture. Throughour photos, we hope to introduce Vietnam, its history and culture to theworld,” said the project’s leader and fashion designer Dung.
Dung and his staff have researched many Vietnamese and Asiandocumentaries, books, paintings and sculptures. They have also worked withcultural researchers and historians.
They spent two weeks making a dress for a eunuch and two months for a coat forthe Queen. Each costume is worth around several million dong.
Shooting is ongoing and 200 photos are expected to be captured.
“I’m very happy to join Dung’s project. I hope his project will enhance youngpeople’s love and knowledge about Vietnamese culture,” said cai luong guru Bach Tuyet, who has morethan 40 years of experience in the industry.
Tuyet wore royal costumes that she once used in famous historicalplays. She spent several weeks on the photo shoot.
According to Dung, the performance by Tuyet left a strong impression on hisstaff. “Her photos are beautiful and lively. Viewers can see cai luong performers in costumesas well as learn more about the art."
Dung and his staff are working to display a part of their photos in May in HCMCity, including dozens of royal clothes used for the project./.