VietNamNet Bridge – Two stage works by artists from the Viet Nam Drama Theatre will debut in Chinese cities on April 21-27.

Modern family tale: Lau Dai Cat (Sandy Cattle) will be performed by the Viet Nam Drama Theatre in China. — Photo courtesy of Viet Nam Drama Theatre

The works are Lau Dai Cat (Sandy Cattle) and Dam Cuoi Con Gai Chuot (The Mouse Daughter’s Marriage).

Four shows will be performed by 14 artists in the Vietnamese language with Chinese subtitles.

Lau Dai Cat is the story of a family in modern times, which is respected for its high social standing and exemplary standard of living. But, the reality is different -- all the members wear masks to hide their bad habits and depravity caused by social evils.

The work was directed by People’s Artist Anh Tu.

Dam Cuoi Con Gai Chuot was staged by Singaporean artist Chua Soo Pong, who arrived in Viet Nam last year to work with the local artists.

The play, which debuted in Ha Noi, was highly acclaimed by the audience.

Dam Cuoi Con Gai Chuot is the light-hearted story of a mouse’s daughter who must choose among four suitors -- the sun, the wind, a wall and a white mouse -- all of whom wish to marry her.

Acting on her mother’s advice, the daughter rejects all four contenders as they are not rich, powerful or famous enough. Instead, she chooses to marry a cat, believing it is a more superior species, but must face some unexpected consequences.

The actors’ skilful and precise movements capture the audience attention as the play, which is both funny and allegorical, raises the question -- is the grass really greener on the other side?

Dam Cuoi Con Gai Chuot was written and created as a children’s drama in 2003 by director Pong.

The play has been performed in several countries, such as Germany, Indonesia, Malaysia and China, as well as Bangladesh, Turkey and the United States.

The play by Viet Nam Drama Theatre was also staged at Malaysia’s George Town Festival last August.

The 14 artists are being led by theatre director Nguyen The Vinh.

The shows will be held in China’s Zheng Zhou and Le Yang cities, at the invitation of the He Nan Culture Association, to promote friendship and culture co-operation between Viet Nam and China.

VNS