Water Puppetry - cultural characteristics of the Vietnam
Puppets are made of wood and then lacquered to be watertight and
endurable. During performances, puppets are controlled via a pole-and
string apparatus hidden under the water surface by puppeteers standing
in waist-deep water behind the stage. While puppets play their roles
according to the direction of puppeteers, singers of Cheo (a kind of
traditional theater in Vietnam) sing songs to tell the story in words.
The theme of the play concentrates on the daily life of rural people
and folklores that are imparted from generation to generation, not
mention to stories of legends and national history. Above all, water
puppetry created a relaxing space for rural citizens in the past; both
watching and playing water puppetry was a good way for the local to
entertain, escaping from their daily worries and hardworking life.
Water puppetry is a form of folk arts originating in the Red River Delta
in the north of Vietnam, dating back in the 11th century. Many town and
villages in Vietnam have communal ponds that are perfect stages for
these impromptu performances, enhancing the widespread development of
the art form. Presently, water puppetry is showed in a pool of water
with the water surface being the stage.
Through water puppetry plays, rural people also expressed their desire
for a better life of prosperity and happiness. In current times, water
puppetry has become a popular form of entertainment, especially for
local children and foreigners who want to discover more about Vietnamese
folk culture. Water puppetry is now frequently performed in puppet
theaters in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and it is regret if you miss the chance to enjoy it.
Where to watch
Venue: Thang Long Water Puppet TheatreAddress: 57B Dinh Tien Hoang Street, Hanoi.
Ticket price: $3-5/person, purchased at doors
Venue: Hanoi Museum of Ethnology
Address: Nguyen Van Huyen, Hanoi
Ticket price: Included in entrance fee.
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