Cheo

Cheo is a form of generally satirical musical theatre, often encompassing dance, traditionally performed by Vietnamese peasants in northern Vietnam. It is usually performed outdoors by semi-amateur touring groups, typically in a village square or the courtyard of a public building, though it is increasingly performed indoors and by professional performers today. Hat cheo traces its origins to the twelfth century, during the Ly dynasty, and has existed in its present form since roughly the sixteenth century; derived from folk rather than courtly tradition, it uses no scenery and only sparse costumes and makeup, combining traditional set pieces with improvisational routines suited to amateur theatre. Like the commedia dell'arte, it often carries a message of satirical criticism of the existing social order, traditionally accompanied by a musical ensemble of the dan nguyet, sao, and drum.