Hat cheo

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Hat cheo (Hát chèo in Vietnamese; sometimes simply Vietnamese operetta in English) is a form of generally satirical musical theatre, often encompassing dance, traditionally performed by Vietnamese peasants. It is usually performed outdoors by semi-amateur touring groups, stereotypically in a village square or the courtyard of a public building, although it is today increasingly also performed indoors and by professional performers.

Hat cheo's origins date to the 12th century Ly dynasty and has existed in its present form since roughly the 16th century. It involves a combination of traditional set pieces and improvisational routines appropriate to amateur theatre. Like the Commedia dell'arte, it often carries of a message of satirical criticism of the existing social order.