Hanoi theatre cuts down show after noise complaint

Hanoi’s Thang Long Ca Tru Theatre which is known for its regular Ca Tru shows catering to foreign tourists has just had to cut down its number of shows due to a recent surge of complaints from neighboring residents.

The theatre is among a few numbers of venues that strive tirelessly to preserve Ca Tru, the ancient Northern genre of chamber music featuring female vocalists which was recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding by UNESCO in 2009.

Starting last November, Thang Long offered a nightly program of Ca Tru shows for both foreign and domestic listeners which have now been reduced to a three-day schedule per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Dao Thi Hue, a leading artist of the genre at the theatre and a lecturer at the Vietnam National Music Academy said the cut was due to a growing number of complaints from local residents in Ma May, a small street of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The strongest opposition comes from a household whose residence was burnt in a fire happening last year, followed by others who claimed that Ca Tru sounded as depressing and dull as funeral music to them.

The noted performer said Thang Long’s management board thus had to change their programs in order not to bother these residents.

She also added that the change did not worry her much as the theatre had already signed with a number of tour operators to offer regular shows for their tourists.

Thang Long’s performances have been known to feature veteran artists and performers such as the artisan Nguyen Phu De, Nguyen Thi Chuc or singer Pham Thi Man and musician Nguyen Van Tuyen from Dong Anh, Hanoi.

The theatre opened again after Tet (Vietnamese New Year) last Saturday, with tickets costing VND 20,000 per person including tea and information sessions of traditional music.