Vietnam’s Water Puppets Go On Tour
September 12, 2008 – 1:59 pm
Anyone planning a visit to Vietnam must attend a performance of the famous Thang Long water puppetry in Hanoi. Thang Long water puppetry is a traditional art form with distinctive culture identity of Vietnam. it came to existence, developed and diversified over a thousand years ago in the Red River Delta. Thanks to unique performances on the water, Thang Long water puppetry art is famous and highly appreciated all over the world.
The show is set in a small theatre in the Old Quarter Hanoi. The stage is somewhat different to a normal performance in that it is filled with water. A small pond like structure surrounded by beautiful backdrops. The performers- The Puppets- are all brightly coloured wooden puppets, ranging from fishermen, musicians and farmers to the amazing dragons. The puppeteers are all standing in the water manipulating these amazing puppets. The show is so life like you forget about the puppeteers and start imagining a scene of villagers going about their daily lives in rural Vietnam.
This October the water puppeteers are going on the road they will be introducing this unique art to a large number of American and Vietnamese people in America. The puppeteers are embarking on a tour of California, San Fransisco and Santa Cruz. Don’t worry, however, for those of you going to Vietnam or thinking about a holiday there soon, daily shows will still be performed at the Water Puppets Theatre in Hanoi.
2 Responses to “Vietnam’s Water Puppets Go On Tour”
I saw the Water Puppets in Hanoi in 2001. They were amazing. Don’t forget to pick up one of your very own water puppets at one of the many stores around the Old Quarter in Hanoi!
By JaneS on Sep 12, 2008
Do you know of any information about an actual fable or story used in vietnamese water puppetry?
I am doing a research paper on this topic and would very much appreciate some help.
By Marissa on Jan 13, 2009