Broader appeal: Artists from the Ha Noi Cai Luong Theatre (above) during a reformed opera performance with English audio translation last night. Two foreigners (below) enjoy the show. — VNS Photos Truong Vi

HA NOI — The Ha Noi Cai Luong Theatre will launch a new show featuring Vietnamese traditional art entertaining foreigners with English interpretation through headphones.

The show would include dances, songs, short plays and cai luong (reformed theatre) which was regionally typical to Viet Nam, said Nguyen Thu Ha, a theatre official.

Two-nights of experimental performances kicked off at the Chuong Vang Theatre, 72 Hang Bac Street last night.

Artists from the theatre will open the show with the Thang Long Festival Spirit drum dance featuring 18 dancers with drums and flags.

The drums were traditionally used as musical instruments in festivals, such as prayers for rain, for good harvests and rituals, such as weddings and funerals, as well as in commanding armies.

"We want to introduce foreign audiences to the significance of Vietnamese drums which have been seen as symbols in daily life and official ceremonies," said Ha.

Foreigners will enjoy drum dance performances which depict sounds from festivals all over the country like launching a new festival; urging embankment; and welcoming children to school.

In another dance, audiences will watch a piece of the Cham ethnic group from south central Viet Nam.

The dance will feature Cham girls and ceramic jars. It reflects the prayers of the Cham people to God, the nation, nature and the community for favourable weather, abundant crops, fresh trees, wealth and happiness.

While bamboo flutes are known as indispensable musical instruments in Vietnamese traditional orchestras, they also signify honourable men as well as peace, luck and wealth in life.

Images of bamboo flutes will be viewed during a flute dance in the show.

The highlight of the show will be artist Thanh Huong. In a 5-minute performance, the artist will sing Da Co Hoai Lang (Night Song for the Missing Husband).

The song was composed by artist Cao Van Lau and won the hearts of fans nationwide to become the "king" song of the cai luong stage and serve as the root of Viet Nam's cai luong art.

After two trial performances, the theatre expected a lot of foreigners to attend, said Ha. — VNS