Chèo Theatrical Art - Friendship of Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ
In Chèo Theatrical Art, why are good friends
compared with Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ?
Lưu Bình and Dương Lễ is famous Chèo play about two young
man.
One is from Son Tay (now is Hà Tây province) and the other from Bắc Ninh
Province , They study with
the same master teacher. The rich Lưu Bình neglects his studies for a
profligate life. The poor Dương Lễ passes the examination and propers as a
mandarin, while Lưu Bình fails. Lưu Bình’s failure is not his only misfortune. Lưu
Bình’s failure is not his only misfortune. He continues his drinking and
gambling, becomes very poor, and lives alone in misery. Finally, he approaches Dương
Lễ for help.
Dương Lễ is aware of Lưu Bình’s former opulent life style
and thinks that if he gives Lưu Bình money, his friend will only continue his
bad habits to the neglect of his studies, and the his condition will worsen. Dương
Lễ pretends to be a disloyal friend; he refuses to receive Lưu Bình and drives
him away. On the other hand, he asks his concubine, Châu Long, to take some
gold, follow Lưu Bình, and care for him in a manner which would allow him to
pursue his studies.
Having been chased from the home of his former friend, Lưu
Bình is deeply ashamed and resolves to take up his education seriously. Châu Long helps Lưu Bình in daily life. Three
years later, after passing the exams, he returns to his village, but Châu Long
has disappeared.
Dương Lễ sends his men to congratulate the new laureate with
gifts and invites him for a visit. Lưu Bình plans to use the visit to chastise
his friend for abandoning him in time the desperate need but then offering
friendship in time of success. When Lưu Bình arrives, Dương Lễ asks Châu Long
to greet his friend. Only then does Lưu Bình, realize that Dương Lễ, through
his dear concubine, gave him the help he needed.
This typical Chèo play combines lyricism and dramatics.
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