How's that? Artists from the Tuoi Tre Theatre in Ha Noi rehearse the play De Men Phieu Luu Ky, which will entertain young audiences on the occasion of International Children's Day. — Photo courtesy of the Youth Theatre

HA NOI  (VNS) — Artists from the Tuoi Tre (Youth) Theatre in Ha Noi will stage the play De Men Phieu Luu Ky (The Adventures of a Cricket) to entertain the children and young audiences this Sunday on the occasion of International Children's Day (June 1).

The 70-minute play The Adventures of a Cricket is directed by Bui Nhu Lai and adapted from the children's book of the same-name by well-known writer To Hoai. The work reflects the interesting adventures and life of the crickets as well as the interactions with the insect world around them. They are brave enough to overcome difficulties in their struggle and dreams of peace and justice.

The characters also take on a richer more symbolic meaning and are widely viewed as representing the youth of Viet Nam and further embody their feelings and thoughts on the revolution, and portray their dreams of a stateless and classless world.

The play aims to provide interesting lessons on humanity for children and older audiences.

The book, written in 1941 for children, has been translated into English, French and Italian.

During a rehearsal last Wednesday, 800 children crammed into the theatre to enjoy the spectacle.

According to artist Nhu Lai, this is the second time the insect world from the famous book has been adapted for theatre and staged by artists from the Youth Theatre.

They staged the play for the first time 20 years ago.

"This is a story for different generations, not just children. Writer To Hoai managed to tell the story of the countryside to describe a society which is still true. It is full of laughter and useful lessons," said Lai.

"Several generations has grown up with children's stories and folk songs. I think that it's the artists' task to tell the story for younger generations. I hope this play will make young readers interested in children's stories again," he added.

The artists have been faithful to the content of the book but use a contemporary storytelling style which is more suited to modern life. To make the play more entertaining, several funny dances and songs are included including Con Buom Xinh (Beautiful Butterfly) and Gangnam Style. The theatre was overwhelmed with laughter and applause during the rehearsal.

"I am very happy the book my father wrote is being staged by the Youth Theatre again. Now the life of the crickets will be more exciting. However, I regret that the artists are unable to act naturally on stage," said Nguyen Phuong Vu, a son of writer To Hoai.

Ten years ago, this well known children's book was also adapted into a 12-part puppet drama for Viet Nam Television. — VNS