Saturday, September 14, 2013
3 pm – 4 pm:  Ceremony to pay respect to the Patron Saint Performing Arts
(Cúng Tổ Nghệ Thuật Sân Khấu)
4 pm – 5:30 pm: Performance of Hát Bội
VAALA Cultural Center
FREE ADMISSION

Imported from China to Vietnam in the 13th century, Hát Bội was then transformed into a unique Vietnamese drama and musical theater that was very popular and well received by the royal courts. The music, dances, and even the make-up are different from the Chinese opera. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Hát Bội as an art form has been slowly fading because of competition from Cải Lương (a Southern Vietnam traditional drama and music theatre with more contemporary themes), and much later, the cinema. Come witness this rare artform.