Buzz
Water puppetry
The cultural beauty of the Vietnamese people
1. When did water puppetry originate?
Water puppetry became popular in our country during the Ly dynasty, as documented on the stele of Sung Thien Dien Linh Tower in 1121. Reflecting on its long existence and development, water puppetry has been increasingly refined, invested in, and polished to live up to its reputation as a unique traditional stage art form of Vietnam. Throughout generations, the art of water puppetry has remained a testament to the talent, skill, and intelligence of the artisans. In recent years, the water puppetry stage has received more investment, especially in terms of special effects.
Artists singing in a water puppet theater
The picturesque scenery of rural North Vietnam vividly recreated
2. Special features of Vietnamese water puppetry
The art of water puppetry in Vietnam is no mere coincidence. It has evolved into a unique cultural phenomenon among the people. What makes this art form fascinating is evident right from its name, 'Water Puppetry' - utilizing water as the stage for performances. The surface of lakes, ponds, or even simple water basins serves as both the stage and backdrop, enhancing the performances of intricately controlled puppets by skilled artisans. If the above water surface is the stage, then the underwater area serves as a complex system of machinery, poles, and strings connected to the puppet chamber.
The water puppet stage is the empty space in front of the puppet chamber, often adorned with flags, fans, elephants, nets, gates, and horse trappings. The puppets are typically crafted from lightweight wood to ensure they float on the water's surface. The process of carving, shaping, polishing, and decorating is meticulously carried out by artisans, as each puppet character boasts distinct personality traits and colors.
Introducing Mr. Tiều
Traditional folk performances
Boat Racing
3. The Soul of Water Puppet Theater
According to statistics, there are approximately 30 traditional acts and hundreds of modern acts recorded in the treasure trove of Vietnamese water puppetry. The content of these acts typically revolves around folk tales and the everyday lives of farmers, such as plowing, planting, herding ducks, wrestling, boat racing, swimming, performing the Thị Màu opera at the pagoda... Nowadays, water puppet themes are more diverse, covering topics like production, combat, and are meticulously invested in with the participation of modern stage effects.
A complete water puppet performance is a collaboration of many artisans, including those who compose the scripts, craft the puppets, control them, and sing. Regardless of their roles, each individual within the group requires skill, enthusiasm, and unity.
In addition, sound plays a crucial role in water puppetry: songs, drum beats, fireworks, wooden bells, bamboo clappers, and flag-opening fireworks all contribute to making the puppet performances more authentic and lively.
Water Puppetry - Vietnam's Pride
4. Experience the Water Puppetry Culture in Hanoi
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4.1 Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
Established in 1969, Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the prominent venues for experiencing this unique form of art. The main performances at the theatre include daily activities (farming, frog catching, fox hunting, etc.), Festivals (dragon dance, lion dance, procession, etc.), and fairy tales.
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4.2 Vietnam Puppetry Theater
Vietnam Puppetry Theater is the largest puppetry art center in Vietnam. It boasts a rich history of over 60 years of construction and development. Additionally, the theater serves as a gathering place for researchers, sculptors, authors, directors, decorative artists, and top puppet performers in our country.
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4.3 Lotus Puppetry Theater
Lotus Puppetry Theater is a gathering place for many experienced artisans and artists from various regions with traditional puppetry backgrounds across the country.
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If you have the chance, experience watching water puppetry!
5. Some Interesting Facts about Water Puppetry
Dictionary: Water puppetry
Author: Nguyen Thi Kim Chi
*Article participating in Mytour Golocal program
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