US embassy helps establish drama project in Ha Noi

HA NOI — A project to enhance young actors' performing skills was launched in Ha Noi yesterday under the auspices of the American embassy.

The month-long project, directed by Neil Fleckman and involving artists from the Youth Theatre, will focus on the drama, All My Sons, by American playwright Arthur Miller.

All My Sons was translated into Vietnamese in 1973 and staged in Viet Nam by director Nguyen Dinh Nghi. The play was included in 100 Masterpieces of World Theatrre, published in 2006.

Fleckman earned a Master's degree in Theatre from Columbia University and began acting and producing. He worked on tours by the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theatre.

Fleckman began working with Vietnamese actors and producers on Monday to rehearse for performances in Ha Noi and Hai Phong early in December.

German folk band to spice up Oktoberfest party in Ha Noi

HA NOI - The German folk band Happy Bavarians will entertain revellers at the world-famous Oktoberfest when they perform at the two-day festival held in Ha Noi on Friday and Saturday.

The band hails from Munich in Germany – home of the world's largest annual beer festival. They will play at the American Club at 19 Hai Ba Trung Street to celebrate the event, which has been held in Germany for 200 years.

The Happy Bavarians, who dress in traditional Bavarian lederhosen (German traditional leather breeches), tunics and hats, will play traditional tunes, bringing an authentic German flavour to the festival.

Visitors to the festival in Ha Noi can enjoy not only traditional German music, but also different types of German beer, including Bitburger, the best-selling beer in Germany.

Traditional German food, including pretzels (a type of baked food made from dough in a unique knot-like shape), Thuringer sausages and rouladen, will also be available during this year's Oktoberfest.

The two-day festival is set to welcome about 5,000 visitors.

US film-maker screens documentary on teen magic

HCM CITY — The US consulate in HCM City yesterday screened Make Believe, a documentary about a magic contest for teenagers by American filmmaker Steven Klein.

It depicts a battle to become the world's best teen magician between six of the world's best, and the extraordinary skill and passion they have for the art.

It was inspired by his own background as a teenage magician.

Klein and another filmmaker, Melinda Levin, who were earlier in Ha Noi for two days, shared with HCM City audiences their expertise in making films.

Klein also treated them to a few magic tricks after the screening.

Speaking to the media yesterday, he said he had had to cut down 400 hours of footage into 90 minutes, and spent half a million dollars on the film.

The US consul in HCM City, Le Thanh An, said the programme was aimed at promoting understanding and relationships with Viet Nam. — VNS