Vietnam's Traditional 'Cheo' Theater Gets Modern Makeover to Attract Youth and Tourists

Hanoi - The "Nét duyên chèo Hà Thành" (Hanoi Cheo Charm) program, a new interpretation of Vietnam's traditional folk opera "Cheo," is gaining traction among young audiences and international visitors. The show, which premiered on July 24 at the Dai Nam Theater, aims to bring this ancient art form closer to contemporary viewers. Scripted by People's Artist Thu Huyen and directed by People's Artist Nguyen Tien Dung, the 60-minute performance presents concise excerpts from renowned classical Cheo plays, seamlessly transitioning between acts without pauses. The program opened with "Múa hát Vỡ nước" (Water Liberation Dance Song), where artists emerged from beneath the stage, using fans to create the effect of rippling water. Classic Cheo characters were then introduced. The segment "Thị Mầu lên chùa" (Thị Mầu Goes to the Pagoda) showcased the character's flirtatious, bold, and vibrant nature, while "Súy Vân giả dại" (Súy Vân Pretends to be Mad) depicted the tragic state of Súy Vân in a semi-conscious, dreamlike condition. The "Lưu Bình - Dương Lễ" excerpt conveyed a humane story of loyalty and affection. A highlight of the production is its flexible staging, incorporating lighting effects, LED screens, and innovative set design. During the "Lưu Bình - Dương Lễ" scene, the audience was immersed in a rural landscape with golden rice fields and soaring storks. The iconic image of a boy playing a flute while herding buffalo was recreated, evoking emotional resonance. In "Súy Vân giả dại," the stage was adorned with white silk drapes, amplifying the melancholic atmosphere, while spiderweb imagery at the end symbolized the character's inescapable fate. Beyond domestic audiences, the program is designed for international viewers. At the beginning of each excerpt, the LED screen displays introductions to characters and plays in both Vietnamese and English, intending to help tourists recognize Cheo as a unique Vietnamese art form and cultural heritage. Director Nguyen Tien Dung mentioned that the project was initiated by People's Artist Thu Huyen, Director of the Hanoi Cheo Theater, about two years ago. The team has been rehearsing for about a month. He expressed his elation at the positive audience reactions and the presence of veteran artists at the premiere. "The audience is the one who extends traditional art," he remarked. According to the director, the messages conveyed by ancient artists remain relevant today. To add novelty, the team modernized the space, music, and dance movements. The casting of young actors for roles like Thị Mầu and Súy Vân signifies that Cheo art has a promising line of successors. People's Artist Thu Huyen believes that the approximately one-hour duration is suitable for contemporary audiences, especially tourists, to appreciate Cheo. This format allows viewers to experience the typical nuances of classical Cheo within a manageable timeframe, fostering interest and a desire for deeper exploration without diminishing the art form's value. "This is our new direction in the context of the strong promotion of cultural industry development," she stated. Source: VnExpress