Echoes of the past - When traditional cheo touches the emotions of grade 10 Olympians

Cheo, a traditional folk theatre form rich in humanistic values from Northern Vietnam, was once a familiar voice of rural life. Yet in today’s fast-paced modern world, Cheo has gradually become distant many young people. With the aim of bringing heritage back into the school environment, the “Inheritance and Dissemination” project created a special encounter titled “Echoes of the Past,” allowing Olympians to listen to, feel, and truly connect with Cheo in an authentic and meaningful way.

Guided by Dr. Le Tuan Cuong, Director and People’s Artist, together with artists and musicians from the Vietnam National Traditional Theatre, Grade 10 Olympians explored the journey of preserving Cheo in contemporary life while enjoying classic performance excerpts. Through melod from ies, expressions, and stage movements - especially the excerpt “Xuy Van Feigning Madness” - Cheo came alive, emotionally resonant, and able to touch young audiences naturally, without the need for explanation.

Beyond watching, Olympians also experienced Cheo firsthand by stepping into familiar roles such as the Village Chief and Me Dop. Through posture, voice, and playful performance, students gradually discovered the satirical depth and humanistic spirit hidden beneath Cheo’s everyday humor.

The talkshow came to an end, but what lingered was more than an artistic experience. It was a moment when students’ connection with traditional culture was rekindled and deepened. When learners are given the chance to engage with, understand, and retell heritage in their own voices, Vietnamese identity is not only preserved and nurtured - it is continued and shared with future generations.

Olympia - Nurturing Vietnamese Roots, Cultivating Global Competence.