Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tạ Quang Đông presents an award to the representative of the winning author. — Photo vov.vn

HÀ NỘI — Two scripts, entitled Đôi Mắt (The Eyes) and Mối Tình Điện Biên (Điện Biên Love), won the top prize in a contest to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory over French colonial rule and the 75th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army.

The contest was organised by the Department of Performing Arts, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The entries had to be literary scripts that have been staged and performed at home or abroad, ranging from chèo (popular opera), tuồng (classical drama) to cải lương (reformed opera), as well as other genres.

The scripts must reflect the image, humanity and solidarity of Vietnamese soldiers in fighting, building and defending the Fatherland, in addition to inspiring national pride.

According to the organisation board, the jury received 91 entries in three months since the launch of the contest, from July 15 to October 15. A total of 79 were assessed and classified into three levels of award – A, B and C.

Two ‘A’ awards were presented to The Eyes by late author Vũ Dũng Minh and Điện Biên Love by late author Lưu Quang Thuận.

Four ‘B’ awards were granted to Cơ Sở Trắng (White Base) by late author Hoài Giao, Nhiệm Vụ Hoàn Thành (Mission Complete) by Xuân Đức, Mệnh Lệnh Thần Kỳ (Magical Order) by Trần Đình Ngôn and Ký Ức Lửa (Fire Memory) by Chu Lai.

In addition, the jury presented 10 ‘C’ awards and honoured scripts by authors who received the Hồ Chí Minh and State Prizes.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tạ Quang Đông praised the contest as a celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory and the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Việt Nam People's Army.

“Through the results of today's vote, the ministry highly appreciated the critical role of the jury, including the Chairman of the Writers' Council, Assoc. Prof. Phan Trọng Thưởng and members who made objective and fair evaluations with their reputation and professionalism,” the deputy minister said.

He also revealed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism would coordinate with professional associations and art organisations nationwide to restore and recreate scripts to continue to promote their value after the vote, serving the spiritual life of the people, the political needs of the country as well as promoting the development of literature and art.

“The Ministry will focus on training and fostering young writers and discover new talents in the field of literature,” he added. — VNS