WATER PUPPETRY - NATIVE VIETNAM

Being a traditional Vietnamese art, the water puppet is a specialty in Red River Delta. It has been practiced here in Vietnam for many hundreds of years. Initially, this traditional entertainment was started as a celebration of the end of the rice harvest. Time by time, it has been adapted to provide “Entertainment” for people during special events and ceremonies.

PERFORMANCE

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It is said that it is important to enjoy the water puppet when they have a chance to visit Hanoi. It used to be performed by farmers in paddy fields for centuries, and is handed down from generation to generation.

A puppeteer was preparing before the show

The puppeteers are situated behind a screen and stand in waist deep water controlling the puppets with long wooden sticks that mostly are under the water. The Puppets are often made from wood. It is also painted to protect them from water damage.

Overview of a stage in Thang Long theater

Today’s performances usually include a number of short spoken stories rather than long ones, taking the audience on a journey of ancient village life, agricultural harvests and Vietnamese folk tales. Most shows also feature the famous Legend of the Restored Sword of King Le, which tells the tale of Hoan Kiem Lake and the giant tortoise.

A live music band in Resored Sword story

The live music plays a crucial part of the show with singers often shouting encouraged words to the puppets. This exciting performance also comes with special effects such as smoke and mini-fireworks, plus traditional music played by old folks.

Mini-firework was added to enhance dramatic moments

The most famous water puppet show in Hanoi is shown at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre located at the northeast end of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

The daily show times are 13h45 - 15h00 - 16h10 - 17h20 - 18h30 - 20h00 - 21h15 and 9.30 on Sunday morning. Each performance lasts about an hour. The counter closes at 6.45 pm to 7.30 pm.

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