If you think water puppets are only for children, think again. Vietnam’s water puppetry is not just entertaining; it offers a fascinating glimpse into local culture. From scenes of village life to traditional festivals and quirky characters inspired by Vietnamese personalities, water puppetry is a fully realized art form enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we’ll give you a brief introduction to Vietnam’s wonderful water puppets.
A Short History of Water Puppetry
Water puppetry in Vietnam has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. Originally performed during the annual rice harvest in the Red River Delta region, water puppets were added to the list of festival performances. The first shows took place in harvested rice fields that were filled with water to create a watery stage. Over time, water puppetry evolved from a folk art form to a show for royalty. During the reign of the Lý Dynasty in the 12th century, the country’s best water puppet troupes entertained the king and his guests. Today, water puppetry continues to captivate audiences and is treasured as an intangible cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Setting the Stage for Water Puppetry
Water puppetry is a physically demanding craft. Puppeteers stand in water throughout the show, using the movement of the water to create drama and tell a story. The puppets themselves are made of buoyant fig wood and painted with lacquer, which allows them to float effortlessly. The puppeteers skillfully maneuver the puppets’ arms using bamboo sticks and strings. It takes decades to become a master water puppeteer. In modern water puppet shows, pools of water are used instead of flooded rice paddies. These pools are decorated with red tiered roofs, flags, and parasols, resembling an altar inside Vietnamese communal houses. Musical ensembles sit on both sides of the stage, bringing the stories to life with their voices and traditional instruments.
A Water Puppet Show
A traditional water puppet show usually begins with an introduction to Tễu, the comedic host. Tễu is an iconic character, a whimsical storyteller who guides the audience through different scenes and stories. The brightly colored puppets recreate daily life in Vietnam’s northern villages, showcasing activities such as duck herding, fishing, rice planting, boat rowing, and royal parades. Some shows also include depictions of Vietnamese folktales, which always carry a moral message.
Where to Watch Water Puppet Shows
For a deeper understanding of Vietnamese water puppets, Đào Thục Village on the outskirts of Hanoi is a must-visit. Here, one of the last remaining water puppet workshops in Vietnam offers insights into the making of the puppets. The village also hosts fantastic shows on a beautiful outdoor stage, preserving its 300-year-old tradition.
If you’re in the cities, there are several water puppet theaters where you can enjoy traditional and modern performances. Here are some of the best places across the country:
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Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Location: 57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng St., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi
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Vietnam Puppet Theatre
- Location: 361 Trường Chinh St., Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi
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Hội An Theatre
- Location: 548 Hai Bà Trưng St., Hội An
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Huế Water Puppet Theatre
- Location: 8 Lê Lợi St., Vĩnh Ninh District, Huế
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Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
- Location: 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai St., District 1, HCMC
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Museum of Vietnamese History (outdoor)
- Location: 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm St., District 1, HCMC
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