Cheo has its origins in folk traditions such as storytelling and folk singing. Traditionally performed in Red River Delta villages during holidays and festivals, it is more down-to-earth than the more courtly Tuong, and its satirical and anti-establishment themes meant it was often very unpopular with the Vietnamese court.

Like tuong, cheo uses standard stock characters (usually a hero, a heroine and a clown) who are instantly recognisable to the audience, but its themes and performance styles are usually lighter than tuong. Cheo stories may sometimes be romantic or tragic, but the clown or buffoon is always there to comment on the action in an amusing or satirical way, as well as to mock pompous, ridiculous or dishonest characters. Using the language of the people, he provides a link between the performers and the audience.

Although cheo is possibly Vietnam’s most ancient art form, it can be easily adapted for contemporary audiences by adding modern stories to the more traditional music. Indeed, President Ho Chi Minh is now a popular character in cheo performances, and cheo troupes have also been involved in performing pieces designed to educate young people about the dangers of drug use and HIV/AIDS. Consequently, cheo is currently undergoing a revival and is proving popular not just in Vietnam but also with Vietnamese communities overseas and with foreign tourists.