VietNamNet Bridge – Tickets to the first Comedy Stage Festival has sold out in advance, said Le Tien Tho of the Viet Nam Stage Artists Association, the festival's organiser.

Comic type: The first Comedy Stage Festival will attract 600 performers from the northern region. — File Photo
The festival will take place on August 25-31 in the northern province of Quang Ninh with five performances and the participation of 600 performers from the northern region.

"Quang Ninh was selected as the festival venue because it attracts thousands of tourists and others with a keen interest in arts performances," Tho said.

The festival will present old plays such as Ngheu, So, Oc, Hen (The Stories of Snails), featuring absurd situations in which three regional mayors love one girl at the same time, and new comedies such as Ben O Sin (Besides the Maid), taking a humourous look at the relationship between housekeepers and their employers.

Drama director Doan Hoang Giang said the festival would help bring respect to comedic actors and to the national theatre.

"Audiences enjoy comedies more than serious plays so this form of performance has developed," Giang said. "Due to its popularity among audiences, we should guarantee that comedies have a healthy and positive impact on society."

The festival, expected to be held every two years, aims to showcases performances as well as host a comedy writing camp.

Income from ticket sales will be used to aid Agent Orange victims and retired actors in need.

A southern festival is planned for HCM City in November.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News