Renowned cheo (popular opera) artists like Thanh Ngoan, Doan Vinh and Tuan Tai will perform together in the classic cheo play entitled Quan Am Thi Kinh (Goddess of Mercy) which will be staged at the ViEt Nam Cheo Theatre on August 25.

Classic cheo play, Quan Am Thi Kinh (Goddess of Mercy) will be staged in Hanoi on August 25. - Photo courtesy of the organisers

The version to be staged this time will closely follow the script directed by Tran Bang – a senior cheo artist – from the late 20th century. It will be a combination of elements from Oriental and Western theatrical arts.

Despite being performed within the limited space of a stage, the play will still incorporate the lively festive atmosphere of an ancient cheo play, which used to be performed on the courtyard in front of the communal house.

Set in the 10th century as a statement about the beauty of love, compassion and selflessness, Quan Am Thi Kinh is a story about the transcendental journey of a young, fair lady to her Buddhahood.

Cheo originated in the 10th century from folk music and dance traditions, especially trò nhại – simple mimetic skits. These skits showed the lives of ordinary people as well as royalty.

Over time, writers consolidated cheo short stories based on these skits into longer plays.

To purchase tickets for Quan Am Thi Kinh, contact 0243 845 7403 or 090 295 8187. Tickets range from VND150,000-300,000 (US$6.5-13).

VNA