Narrative structure in Vietnamese musical theatre between 1945 and 1975

Abstract

During the 1945 – 1975 period, Vietnamese musical theatre genres continued in the form of narrative theatre (storytelling theatre) that had traditionally existed. Tuồng (classical drama) and chèo (satirical musical theatre) scripts were typical of this narrative structure. Cải lương (reformed opera) represented a compromise between traditional narrative structure and conflict structure originating from Western plays. Narrative elements in tuồng, chèo, and cải lương were illuminated through plot structure, language, and characters’ personalities.