Committee makes sure performers are dressed right

Performers at the opening and closing ceremonies of the 25th SEA Games will wear the traditional dress of each participating nation to promote the special characteristics of each country.

Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong ( right ) receives traditional Myanmar skirts from Mr Zaw Win Htoon.

A troupe of 41 performers will appear on stage as representatives of each country, wearing that country's national dress.

The Embassy of Myanmar to Laos yesterday handed over 41 skirts to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Committee, so that Lao performers can wear the true Myanmar national dress.

After the Ministry of Information and Culture showed embassy staff the design of the Myanmar skirts performers would wear, they said while the design was a close replica of the traditional Myanmar skirt they wanted performers to wear the real thing.

Artistic and Performance Department Director General and SEA Games Opening and Closing Ceremony Committee member, Mr Xaysavath Singnamvong, said yesterday the embassy ordered 41 skirts from Myanmar for performers to wear.

Embassy staff believed wearing the genuine article would give the ceremony a more authentic feel.

“While this is not a large contribution, it's typical of the generosity and spirit of friendship shown by countries in the region. They want to be sure the games are perfect,” Mr Xaysavath said.

During the opening ceremony, 451 of the more than 9,000 performers taking part in the event will put on a show titled ‘Welcome all regional countries'.

This involves 41 performers dressed in each country's national costume, representing Brunei , Cambodia , Indonesia , Malaysia , Myanmar , Laos , the Philippines , Singapore , Thailand , Vietnam and Timor Leste.

“This performance will be staged to welcome all of the 11 participating countries, and the costumes worn will be the traditional dress of each country,” Mr Xaysavath said.

The skirts were presented by the Myanmar Embassy's First Secretary Mr Zaw Win Htoon to Mr Xaysavath at the Ministry of Information and Culture. Senior officials from both sides also attended the presentation.

Mr Xaysavath briefed diplomats about preparations for the opening and closing ceremonies and thanked the government of Myanmar for providing the skirts for the performers to wear.

“We had designed blouses and skirts in the Myanmar style. The blouses were good but the skirts needed many changes, so the embassy promised to help us out,” he said.

The opening and closing ceremonies of major sporting events are important occasions that set the scene for the rest of the event and this year's 25th SEA Games in Vientiane is no different.

Now SEA Games committees are preparing performers for the opening ceremony and will set a time to stage the show for government leaders.

 

 

By Souknilundon Southivongnorath
October 29 , 2009

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