Implemented under the project: “Introducing and performing plays adapted from famous Vietnamese and world literary works included in the general education curriculum at schools in Hanoi for the 2022–2030 period,” on June 3, 2025, Hanoi Cheo Theatre premiered the children’s cheo play: The Story of Cuoi and the Banyan Tree.
Author: Le Chi Trung. Cheo adaptation: Quang Bien. Music: Tat Trong. Art design: Nguyen Thanh. Choreography: Phung Khai. Artistic director: NSND Thu Huyen, etc.
Cuoi and the banyan tree is a folk tale that has existed in Vietnam for thousands of years. Beyond being a story or a folk tale, the Cuoi and the banyan tree legend has been adapted into poetry, music with beautiful lyrics, and even children’s comics that captivate young audiences. Most memorable, however, is the nursery rhyme about Cuoi and the banyan tree:
Cuoi sits under the banyan tree
Calling for his father as the buffalo eats the rice
Father is still cutting grass in the sky
Mother rides a horse inviting the officials
Grandfather holds the brush and ink
Grandfather takes money to exchange for banyan leaves…
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, the image of Cuoi is often associated with Miss Hang and the full, round moon, always attracting children. From the story of Cuoi and the banyan tree come meaningful lessons for children, most clearly about love, honesty, and compassion; in addition, the story encourages obedience and respect for parents.
Maintaining these themes and lessons, director NSUT Le Tuan has made the story simple yet captivating, interspersed with humorous and lively comic scenes on stage. The play features talented artists and actors, along with the collective of Hanoi Cheo Theatre.
Hanoi Cheo Theatre premieres the cheo play: The Story of Cuoi and the Banyan Tree.
After rehearsals and the opening performance, the play The Story of Cuoi and the Banyan Tree will be presented in many schools, further helping children approach and better understand national literary works.
It is hoped that the play will continue the successes of Hanoi Cheo Theatre’s previous productions, such as The Kite of Vu Dai Village, The Tears of Trang Quynh, and The Story of Thang Bom.
Quỳnh Anh