The National ‘Cheo’ (popular opera) Festival 2011 wrapped up at the Thai Binh provincial Labour Cultural House on December 4 after nine days of competition.

Three gold prizes went to art troupes from the Vietnam Cheo Theatre, the Hanoi Cheo Theatre and the Thai Binh provincial Cheo theatre. The Thanh Hoa and Vinh Phuc provincial Cheo troupes and the Army Cheo Theatre took home silver prizes.

The organising board also presented 27 gold and 50 silver medals as prizes in individual categories.

The festival featured 16 performances involving nearly 500 artists from 13 Cheo troupes across the country. The performances, which were composed in the past five years, focused on contemporary issues that have attracted public attention.

The event, held jointly by the Vietnam Stage Artists’ Association, the Thai Binh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Department of Performing Arts, provided an opportunity for Cheo artists to exchange experiences and encouraged more creativity to meet audience demands. (Source: Nhan Dan )