SOUTHERN MUSIC - Cải lương artists of HCM City have worked to preserve and keep the South’s traditional theatre alive. Photo courtesy of HCM City Theatre Artists’Association.

HCM CITY — A special photo exhibition featuring Southern culture and arts is attracting visitors in HCM City.  

The event, Văn Học Nghệ Thuật Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh - 60 Năm Phát Triển (60 years of HCM City literature and arts), feature HCM City’s developments in theatre, fine arts, and literature. 

It features more than 500 photos of different traditional genres of Southern theatre, such as cải lương (reformed opera) of the South, tuồng (classical drama) of the central region, and đờn ca tài tử (Southern folk music). 

Đờn ca tài tử is a part of the region’s traditional music that began 100 years ago. The art is considered the prototype for vọng cổ (nostalgic tunes) and cải lương of the South.  

The music is associated with farmers who sing while working in the fields or relaxing at the end of a hard day. 

It was recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2013. 

Photos of works by famous writers, sculptors and painters are also included. 

Highlighted photos feature talented performers of the HCM City Hát Bội Theatre and Trần Hữu Trang Cải Lương Theatre who have worked to preserve and keep the South’s traditional theatre alive. 

HCM CITY ART - People visit the photo exhibition called Văn Học Nghệ Thuật Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh - 60 Năm Phát Triển (60 years of HCM City’s literature and arts) in HCM City. The event features the region’s and HCM City’s developments in theatre, fine arts, and literature. Photo courtesy of the organiser.

“Photos displayed at the event tell the stories of Southern people, the region’s history, culture and lifestyle,” said Lê Nguyên Hiều, chairwoman of the HCM City Dance Association under the HCM City Union of Literature and Arts Associations, the event’s organiser. 

Hiều said the exhibition will help audiences learn more about Southern culture and theatre, particularly HCM City, in the past 60 years. 

HCM City has achieved good results in cultural growth in the two years after launching the project called “Hồ Chí Minh Cultural Space”. 

The project is part of the strategy of the city’s cultural industry between 2020 and 2025 approved by the municipal People’s Committee. 

It focuses on building public spaces such as pedestrian streets and amusement parks. Cultural activities in photography, fine arts, traditional theatre and music are also highlighted. 

Under the project, more than 2,900 Cultural Space activities have been launched at cultural centres, religious sites, and residential areas around the city.

Local organisations and associations have offered many contests and festivals featuring traditional theatre, music, fine arts and literature. 

Singing and sports contests aimed at children and teenagers have been organised.

The exhibition, Văn Học Nghệ Thuật Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh - 60 Năm Phát Triển, will run through December 17, at 81 Trần Quốc Thảo Street, District 3. — VNS