Vietnam Circus Federation: Cooperation and development
On November 18-25, 2004, the second International Circus Festival will take place in Hanoi. It is not only an opportunity for the Vietnamese circus to learn from foreign colleagues but more importantly to seek co-operation to attain an international standard, Mr. Vu Hop, Director of the Vietnam Circus Federation confided to VIB Forum.
The preparations for the festival are almost complete, can you tell us more about the event?
Nine countries will participate in the festival including, Russia, the United States, Germany, Luxembourg, China, Mongolia, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam with some 30 performances. The jury will include famous circus experts and presidents of Circus Associations of seven nations: the United States, Russia, Germany, China, Mongolia, Italy and Vietnam. Prizes will be awarded for the greatest skill and expertise. The Organising Committee have prepared Gold, Silver, Bronze medals and some additional prizes.
Is there any novelty compared to the first festival organised nine years ago ?
The first festival was also organised in Hanoi. It was an international festival but only an experiment, an exchange of performances and experiences. This time, the event marks the international integration of Vietnamese circus culture. Indeed, circus is the first among Vietnamese art performances to participate in international events with competition, learning, exchanges and prizes.
What performances Vietnam will contribute to the festival?
There will be ten performances including the Ho Chi Minh City circus (hula hoop, juggling and clowns), the Vietnam Circus Federation (roller, sword swinging, ladder balance), Vietnam Circus School (Jar balance, pole performance) and Quang Tri group (magic). Some performances have won national and international prizes and the rest are highly commended by experts. All the performances are traditional, fully imbued with national identity and in harmony with their music and design.
Apart from great performances, do you expect anything else from the festival?
We have an ardent desire to develop Vietnamese circus. It is an occasion for us to exchange experiences, learn from our foreign colleagues and also introduce our performances to seek international co-operation.
Vietnamese
