1. Discover Ha Nam Cheo Theatre: a journey back to ancient culture
Located in Phu Van ward, Ninh Binh province, Ha Nam Cheo Theatre stands out like a gem amidst the modern cultural space. This location offers convenience for travelers from all directions on their journey to enjoy Cheo art, while also easily combining visits to nearby attractive tourist destinations.
Hanam Cheo Theater is located in Phu Van ward, Ninh Binh province. (Source: Collected)
The formation and development of Hanam Cheo Theater originated from the Hanam Cheo Troupe, an artistic unit that has gone through many stages of change linked to local history. The year 2010 marked a significant turning point when the Provincial People's Committee decided to upgrade the troupe into a theater, not only affirming organizational maturity but also the position of traditional Cheo art in the context of modern life.
Cheo art here has become an indispensable part of the cultural life of the North, especially in the Red River Delta region. Each play, each melody of Cheo music at the theater is not only a work of art but also the crystallization of generations, carrying the cultural depth and sentiment of the people of the Red River Delta. Hanam Cheo Theater is not only a place for artistic performance but also plays an important role in connecting humanistic and historical values, transmitting those values to present and future generations.
Hanam Cheo Theater is not only a place for preservation but also a center for promoting Cheo art through rich practical activities. This is the place that preserves ancient Cheo melodies, while continuously innovating to bring traditional Cheo closer to the audience. Exchange programs and artist training are organized regularly, helping to create momentum for Cheo art to develop sustainably, while ensuring Cheo always retains its historical and cultural values.
The theater's architecture is a delicate combination of modern and traditional elements. The audience area is designed with a moderate capacity, providing an intimate space, allowing artists to easily connect and convey emotions to the audience. The spacious stage, along with modern international-standard sound and lighting systems, ensures optimal conditions for fully showcasing Cheo plays that are rich in Northern Vietnamese identity.
2. History of Development and Transformation Stages of Hanam Cheo Theater
2.1. From Troupe to Hanam Cheo Theater
Cheo art appeared in Hanam from the early 20th century, gradually establishing its position as one of the important Cheo centers of the Red River Delta. The Hanam Cheo Troupe operated persistently, creating and refining art through many ups and downs of history, becoming a solid support for local Cheo.
During the period from 1968 to 1997, the Hanam Cheo Troupe cooperated and merged with the Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh troupes to form the Hanam Ninh Cheo Troupe, an adjustment according to the administrative boundaries and artistic organization requirements of the locality at that time. Despite facing many challenges, the artists maintained the spirit and distinctive identity of Hanam Cheo.
By April 1997, the re-establishment of Hanam province opened a period of revival for local Cheo art. The Cheo art troupe was built, its human resources were consolidated, and its unique style was shaped, helping Hanam Cheo gradually assert its impressive return on the national stage.
The year 2010 marked a significant turning point when the Cheo troupe was officially upgraded to Hanam Cheo Theater. This change was not only in name but also a prerequisite for supplementing human resources, investing in infrastructure, and modern technical equipment. Thanks to this, Cheo art here had the conditions to develop comprehensively, sustainably, and reach further, contributing to the preservation and dissemination of the unique cultural values of the Hanam land.
2.2. Period of Merger into Hanam Center for Culture and Arts (from 2018).
In 2018, Hanam Cheo Theater entered a new development phase when it became a specialized department within the Hanam Provincial Center for Culture and Arts. This merger was carried out according to the policy of optimizing resources, streamlining the system, and enhancing the effectiveness of artistic activities. The flexible coordination model among various art forms, while still focusing on promoting traditional Cheo art, helps preserve and develop the unique cultural values of the locality.
Performers at Ha Nam Cheo Theater. (Source: Collected)
This change not only enhances the position of Ha Nam Cheo but also contributes to spreading the value of Cheo to the wider community. Cheo art is integrated into the provincial-level general cultural activities system, creating a favorable environment for expanding exchanges and cooperation with art troupes inside and outside the locality.
Playing a core role in preserving and developing Cheo art, Ha Nam Cheo Theater is responsible not only for staging and performing unique Cheo plays but also for training and guiding young artists. At the same time, the theater hosts activities to preserve and develop Northern Vietnamese Cheo art. By integrating into a larger system, Ha Nam Cheo art has gained many new opportunities to reach a wider audience, solidifying its firm position in national cultural and artistic activities.
3. Performance and Art Preservation Activities
3.1. Serving as the center for Northern Vietnamese Cheo performance
Ha Nam Cheo Theater is where typical Northern Vietnamese Cheo plays are performed and preserved. Works such as "Quan Am Thi Kinh" with its profound humanistic meaning, or "Luu Binh - Duong Le" depicting sincere friendship, are frequently featured in special performance programs. The plays are always invested in carefully in terms of content, costumes, and props to provide a complete artistic experience for the audience.
Reenactment of the cheo play “Luu Binh - Duong Le”. (Source: Collected)
Performance style in Ha Nam emphasizes traditional identity, focusing on preserving the unique characteristics of ancient cheo melodies. Artists fully embody the folk style in every lyric, dance, and use of traditional instruments, creating a connection between art and life. Performance costumes are also made in ancient styles, contributing to honoring the original beauty of cheo art.
3.2. Contributions to the preservation and development of cheo art
Educational work, inspiring the younger generation, is always emphasized by the Ha Nam Cheo Theater through collaboration with local schools. Cheo performance programs and art appreciation events are organized periodically, creating a vibrant exchange environment for students.
Artistic exchange and cooperation events serve as a bridge connecting Ha Nam's cheo art with other regions. The Ha Nam Cheo Theater regularly organizes or participates in creative camps, festivals, and national cheo theater performances, providing opportunities for artists to learn and improve the quality of their creations and performances.
The theater also plays a significant role in local and national cultural festival events. The Northern Cheo Festival, the traditional festival at Tran Thuong Temple, and Ba Danh Pagoda all bear the mark of the Ha Nam Cheo Theater. These artistic programs serve tens of thousands of visitors, contributing to promoting Ha Nam's cultural image to friends across the country.
4. Experiencing Cheo at Ha Nam Cheo Theater in 2025
4.1. Emotions and impressions when enjoying cheo at the theater
During the performances at the Ha Nam Cheo Theater, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich atmosphere of Northern Vietnamese culture. The melodious sound of the erhu fills the air, artists appear in vibrant traditional costumes, and perform classic excerpts, creating a lively and emotional space. The hall is always abuzz with applause from the audience following every movement, lyric, and expression of the artists.
After each performance, interacting with the artists is an engaging experience for visitors, helping them understand more about cheo art and the lives of the performers. Visitors can chat, learn about their career journey, try on traditional costumes, or sign up for a cheo class to explore backstage and understand the preparation process for a play at the Ha Nam Cheo Theater.
To make the visit complete, visitors should book tickets in advance through the official website or contact the theater's ticket counter directly, especially during important festivals. Proactively checking the performance schedule will help in selecting the desired play and coordinating the art appreciation schedule with visits to prominent attractions in the surrounding area.
4.2. Ticket booking information, performance schedule, and notes for guests
Visitors to the Ha Nam Cheo Theater can book tickets in two ways: online through the system of the Ha Nam Provincial Center for Culture and Arts, or purchase directly at the ticket counter before the performance. Key events often prioritize early registration or group ticket sales for tour groups, ensuring seating and facilitating participation.
When attending performances, visitors should choose attire suitable for the traditional cultural space and arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the show to complete ticket collection and select optimal seats. Positions close to the stage offer the most complete experience of sound, lighting, and emotion from the artists.
The planned performance schedule for 2025 includes many special programs. Major performance nights are concentrated around the Lunar New Year, the traditional March festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and weekends with famous plays such as "Quan Am Thi Kinh", "Luu Binh - Duong Le", and "Chuyen Lang Nghe" (Village Craft Story). Additionally, the theater organizes exchange programs and performances to meet specific audience demands, creating diverse and lively opportunities to experience traditional cheo art.
In 2025, the Ha Nam Cheo Theater will organize and perform many special programs. (Source: Collected)
5. Suggestions for combining cultural exploration and experience in Ha Nam
After enjoying Cheo art at the Ha Nam Cheo Theater, visitors can continue their journey to explore the special landmarks of Phu Ly and old Ha Nam.
Ba Dan Pagoda, with its ancient architecture and sacred atmosphere, is an ideal place to learn about local folk beliefs. Tam Chuc Pagoda, one of the impressive natural and spiritual complexes in the North, offers visitors an experience of beautiful natural landscapes combined with profound Buddhist culture.
Traditional craft villages such as Doi Tam, famous for its drum making, offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the traditional drum-making process, explore the characteristic rural culture, and listen to stories shared enthusiastically by local artisans.
Ha Nam cuisine is also a special highlight with dishes bearing the strong regional identity such as mountain goat meat, Vu Dai village braised fish, and banh cuon cha. The restaurant system around the Ha Nam Cheo Theater serves specialty menus, offering visitors the characteristic home flavors of the Northern delta region.
For visitors planning a long stay, they can combine entertainment and recreation at Sun World Ha Nam park, making the trip richer and more diverse. The combination of traditional art appreciation and modern entertainment activities will surely bring a complete, colorful, and memorable journey.
Enjoy entertainment games at Sun World Ha Nam after the journey to explore the Cheo theatre. (Source: Collected)
6. Experience and notes when exploring Ha Nam Cheo Theatre 2025
Appropriate attire and behavior are important factors showing respect for traditional cheo art. Visitors should choose modest attire with gentle colors, avoiding overly short or flashy outfits. During the performance, it is encouraged not to use mobile phones and to remain silent so as not to disturb the artists or other audience members.
Photography and videography at Ha Nam Cheo Theatre must strictly adhere to regulations. Visitors can capture memories in the lobby area, but filming or taking photos during the performance is limited to ensure the artistic space and protect intellectual property rights. In necessary cases, prior approval from the organizing committee must be obtained.
Restrictions on filming and photography during performances at Ha Nam Cheo Theater. (Source: Collected)
To have the best experience at Ha Nam Cheo Theater, visitors should regularly check performance schedules on the official information channels of the Provincial Culture and Arts Center, proactively confirm and book tickets in advance, especially during festival seasons or peak periods. For large groups, booking tickets early will help select good seats and avoid sold-out situations.
Please note that after Ha Nam Cheo Theater was merged into the center's system, all information regarding performance schedules, ticket prices, and events should be checked on the official channels of the Center, ensuring the highest accuracy and up-to-date information for your visit.
Ha Nam Cheo Theater in 2025 continues to affirm its important role in preserving and promoting traditional Cheo art, becoming an unmissable cultural destination in Ha Nam. Each play is meticulously invested in content, sound, and lighting, providing a vivid and complete experience. Attending performances at the theater is also an opportunity for visitors to contribute to preserving and spreading the cultural heritage of Northern Vietnam, from ancient Cheo melodies to folk tales. This is an ideal destination for both locals and tourists, offering a profound, memorable, and emotional cultural experience.
