Contemporary projects, with many creative approaches to traditional history and culture, have replaced 3D video footage clips with images of costumes, architecture, and character formation from foreign historical dramas. Instead of relying too much on technology, new techniques are now used as a tool for designing, storing, exchanging, and posting information. The play ‘Tu Phu’ (Four Palaces) by Viet Tu and the show ‘Tinh hoa Bac Bo’ (The Quintessence of Tonkin) by Hoang Nhat Nam are leading events in this movement, which have found success.
A scene at the play 'Tu Phu'
The play ‘Tu Phu’ was considered a breakthrough because it reproduced ‘hau dong’ (spirit mediumship) - one of three main rituals in the 'Practices Related to Viet Beliefs in the Mother Goddesses in Three Realms', with high techniques of image and light. Meanwhile, the art show ‘Tinh Hoa Bac Bo’ attracted large audiences with depictions of the rich culture and daily activities of Vietnam’s northern delta presented on an interactive stage using state-of-the-art technology (including 3D mapping and laser effects). The 60-minute live spectacle also tells the story of the pagoda's founding by the venerable monk Tu Dao Hanh and the history of the ancient Thang Long royal palace.
Despite lacking the sophistication of the above projects, many other products, events, and exhibitions re-enacting traditional history and culture created by independent authors have made significant imprints thanks to their unique ideas. The media and history enthusiasts have increasingly attracted projects to tell stories from the past on Facebook, introduce traditional patterns through colour books, promote traditional costumes through painting comics, promote cultural relic sites through Google Map apps, and learning about ancient arts through souvenirs.
A performance under the project performing royal costumes in the Early Le Dynasty (Credit: bvhttdl.gov.vn)
Many people were surprised at the seriousness and professionalism of a series of projects ‘performing royal costumes and re-enacting the Almanac Presenting Ceremony in the Early Le Dynasty (1428-1527) which took place from February 1-15 in Hanoi. The project was implemented by Vietnam Centre - a non-profit organisation with a majority of overseas Vietnamese who are living, studying, and working in foreign countries. With the application of multimedia, its projects have drawn the attention of many Vietnamese and foreign young people.
Meanwhile, the project titled ‘Hoa Sac Viet’ (Colours and Patterns of Vietnam) by Sriver Group digitised Hang Trong paintings which are in danger of dying out. It showed the application potential of this folk painting line With creativity in painting and printmaking, the group conserve and uphold traditional values. Also with this method, the VietnamAncient Group gained successes in terms of communication for two projects: ‘Hoa van Dai Viet’ (Patterns of Great Viet) and a painting competition on history and ancient culture.
The paintings in the ‘Hoa Sac Viet’ book
The young people taking part in the above projects share a common passion for the country’s history and traditional culture. They accumulated knowledge from books, referred to expert knowledge, conducted field trips, and collected artifacts.
Obviously, while many youngsters are indifferent to the country’s history and culture and more attracted to foreign cultures, the emergence of projects promoting and reproducing traditional values by young people is a good sign. More remarkably, they have received a lot of attention and encouragement from society and experts.
In fact, the support of relevant agencies, organisations, and enterprises is ever more essential for the successful implementation of these projects, contributing to bringing the nation’s history closer to the community.
At present, the potential of applying technological advances into projects re-enacting historical and cultural values is abundant. However, in addition to favourable conditions related to policies, infrastructure, and technology, crucial measures are needed to inspire youngsters’ patriotism as well as encourage them to seriously learn about the country’s history.
