Local audiences will have the chance to watch two of the world’s time-honored, classic plays, namely “Messiah” and “Gulliver's Travels”, in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City this month.

“Messiah”, a world-famous oratorio composed in 1741 by revered George Frideric Handel, will come to the HCMC Opera House on May 8 and 9.

Meanwhile, the timeless play “Gulliver's Travels”, adapted from the novel of the same name written in 1726 by Irish writer and clergyman Jonathan Swift, are set for May 8 at the Hanoi Opera House and May 10 and 11 at the HCMC Opera House.

“Messiah” made its way to Vietnam thanks to the large-scale projects undertaken by the HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera in coordination with the Norwegian Transposition Program.

Considered one of the world’s classic works, the oratorio has been taken around the world on a regular basis before finally coming to Vietnam in full for the first time.

The performance will feature four renowned opera singers, namely Ditte Marie Braein, Siri Torjesen, Magnus Staveland and Halvor Melien along with ten Norwegian artists.

Directed by well-known conductor Lars Notto Birkeland, who is successful with the play titled “Dido and Aeneas” which made its way to HCMC last year, “Messiah” is one of the typical works of oratorio. Though its structure resembles that of opera, it is not in dramatic form; there are no impersonations of characters and very little direct speech.

Meanwhile, after a successful performing tour in more than 20 Asian and European countries, British TNT Theater will take its “Gulliver’s Travels” to Vietnam in English with Vietnamese caption provided.

The play will discuss several profound philosophical questions in a vibrant, hilarious way, adorned with somersaults, stilts-walking, live music and reflective satires.

Swift’s novel, which the play is adapted from, is both a satire on human nature and a parody of the ‘travelers' tales’ literary sub-genre.

Considered Swift's best known full-length work and an English classic masterpiece, the book gained in popularity as soon as it was published.

The British TNT Theater has taken some classic plays including “King Lear” and “Oliver Twist” to Vietnam.