HÀ NỘI — Chuyện Của Dòng Sông Đỏ (Story of the Red River) operetta will ask questions about peace, heaven and happiness at Hà Nội’s Friendship Culture Palace on July 22-23.

Story of the Red River is a modern operetta that contains traditional elements.

It is the first musical performance in Ha Noi in which a contemporary orchestra will perform together with a traditional orchestra, soundtracking a ballet fused with hints of traditional dance.

The musical consists of three acts and six scenes. It is set on a boat on the red river, where the sky is clear and the people -- including the Emperor, Empress, concubines, princes and princes--prepare for a storm.

They discuss endless topics: the weather, love and lullabies. However, their discussions and stories arouse many questions about life.

The idea for Story of the Red River has been nurtured by its general director -- Meritorious Artist and painter Hoàng Hà Tùng -- for five years. Its choreography and stage setup is managed by People’s Artist Hoàng Hà. Renowned artists including Thu Huyền, Tấn Minh, Minh Thu and Tùng Dương will lead the audience into the story with new songs like Bay Đi (Fly) or Cỏ Gà (Bermuda Grass).

According to Tùng, the special feature of the musical is the participation of various musicians -- each of whom has composed a particular song for each character.

“The music for each song has been composed meticulously with the performance of semi-classic and traditional concerts. Each character is portrayed by a renowned Vietnamese contemporary artist. Even the narrator is a renowned chèo (traditional opera) artist. The story is also told in a new way, not following any set rules,” Tùng said.

The expense to set up the operetta is up to VNĐ4 billion (US$176,000), all of which have been utilised from Tùng’s own budget, sponsorship and contributions from the artists themselves.

“It is certainly risky, in general point of view. But the riskier it gets, the more successful it might become,” Tùng said.

“Story of the Red River is both unique and new in terms of music and characters. I want to present the audience with a new look and a new sound,” he said. — VNS