HCM CITY — Performing artists and poets in the city got together in unprecedented shows to mark Earth Hour at three locations in the city on Saturday.
Staged by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Sai Gon Media Company, the shows were arranged into two categories: "Poetry and the Earth" and "Theatre and the Earth".
"Poetry and the Earth" took place at the History Museum in District 1, attracting lots of fans who met with around 60 poets, including Nguyen Duy, Ton Nu Hi Khuong, Pham Sy Sau, Bui Chi Vinh and Nguyen Thai Duong.
Poets recited to their fans major works on love, nature and peace during the Earth Hour in the light of candles and kerosene lamps.
"Theatre and the Earth" took place in front of the Hung Kings' Temple, also in District 1, where actors performed a one-hour drama entitled Poetry Queen in both cai luong (reformed theatre) and ca tru (northern ceremonial singing) styles.
At the same time, the play ‘Nostalgic Stream' was performed at District 3's Small Theatre.
Both plays were performed without electric lights and any electric equipment including microphones.
The shows also marked the World Theatre Day, which falled on Saturday.
Meritorious Artist Tuyet Mai, who has been regaling folk music fans for 35 years, and performed in the play, Poetry Queen, said she was nervous about performing without microphones or floodlights, using only her voice to make the audience understand the Poetry Queen – Ho Xuan Huong.
"However, Earth Hour is a practical activity to protect our environment, so I left my shows in Hue City to join the programme," she said.
Poet Tran Tri Trung said he no longer participated in many joint poetry recitation events, but "Poetry and the Earth" was an occasion for poetry lovers to gather to enjoy our favourite poems, as well as do something meaningful for our Earth."
Many parents brought their children along for the performances saying they wanted their children to learn about the Earth Hour and develop a sense of environmental responsibility.
Dang Van Ngu of Binh Thanh District, said: "I read somewhere that ‘in the past, civilisation was electricity, but now civilisation means saving electricity', penetrated my heart."
Ngu said participating in Earth Hour was his way to show that he wanted to be a part of the solution for climate change and send a message: "Together, we can make a difference." — VNS