The Department of Performing Arts has temporarily banned the release of the Tao Quan 2013 DVD because of allegedly 'crude' content. The agency has requested Vietnam Television issue a sanitised version of Vietnam’s top political and social end of the year satire show.
Head of Department of Performing Arts Nguyen Dang Chuong
Nguyen Dang Chuong, Head of Department of Performing Arts said, "We always create favourable conditions but they have to follow the regulations."
Chuong said the scene where Nam Tao and Bac Dau gods talked about a male to female sex change had been cut out when the Vietnam Television Film Centre (VFC) sent the recording to the department. However, there are still some scenes which the department considered ‘rude’ and needed to be edited.
Moreover, the Tao Quan 2013 show also violated a regulation that required the show’s producers to receive permission from the Department of Performing Arts.
Chuong said they would send documents to Vietnam Television raising the problems outlined by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Vietnam Television will also be asked to revise the show before broadcasting it for Tet.
"Vietnam Television will have to take responsibility for the show when they broadcast it nationwide." he said.
Cong Ly, who played the role of Bac Dau claimed surprise upon hearing the news. Responding to the rumours that the lines were improvised, he said. "Every line and sketch is pre-scripted."
Nguyen Ha Nam, Vietnam Television's spokesman said, "Vietnam Television has been authorised to broadcast the Tao Quan 2013 show. We only release the DVDs once we have obtained permission."
Nam said the broadcast version was often shorter than the live performance.