So far, seven comedic series entitled “Doi Cuoi” (The Comedy of Life) adapted from short stories have been introduced to the public. In 2009, “Doi Cuoi 8” (scripted by late artist Luu Quang Vu and artist Thanh Le and directed by People’s Artist Le Hung) was put on stage, reflecting the daily activities. Themed “Incurable diseases”, Doi Cuoi 8 consists of four short plays entitled “Jealousness disease”, “Cleanness disease”, “Over-indulgence disease” and “Face disease”, affirming the strong point of Vietnamese comedy. With dramatic events, the “Jealousness disease” reflects a serious disease in marital life, i.e., the unquestioning jealousness which damages the family’s happiness. The comedy sends a message to husbands and wives that they should trust each other.   The “Cleanness disease” gently criticizes the punctilious habit of people who want absolute cleanness, considering it as a motto of life, and they become peculiar people. The play advices people not to impose his/her cleanness on others.   The “Over-indulgence disease” refers to the parents’ management and education of their children – an urgent problem in the society.  The comedy warns rich families that if they do not educate and bring up their children well, their children will do harm to their families and society as well.   The “Face disease” (extracted from a script of the same name by late artist Luu Quang Vu) criticizes the bad habits of the civil servants, including their greediness for achievements and fame.   In “Doi Cuoi 8”, the actors and actresses from the Youth Theatre’s Drama Troupe 2, including meritorious actress Ngoc Huyen, Si Tien, Quynh Duong, Quang Anh, Thanh Binh, Ngoc Bich, Nguyet Hang, Tuan Anh, Le Hang and others acted with a natural, satirical and subtle performing style. The plays not only brings relax moments for the audience but also provoke in them the thoughts of natural laws and the life of each individual through humorous and deep laughs. “Doi Cuoi 8” criticizes ridiculous practices in the society. The simple details of each play are depicted lively, making the audience seem to see themselves in it. The plays have forged a niche in the hearts of the art-lovers. Recently, the comedic series “Doi Cuoi” have been translated into English and put on the Youth Theatre’s stage to serve foreign audience. Story by Bich Van Photos by Nam Suong