Water puppetry, or “Mua roi nuoc” in Vietnamese, is a traditional art form that has been performed in Vietnam for over a thousand years. The puppet shows are performed on water, with puppeteers standing behind a bamboo screen and manipulating the puppets using long poles.
One of the best places to experience water puppetry in Vietnam is in Hanoi, where the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre has been entertaining audiences for decades. The theatre is located in the heart of the Old Quarter and features daily performances that showcase the unique art form.
The water puppet shows are accompanied by live traditional music, with musicians playing a range of instruments including drums, cymbals, and flutes. The shows typically tell stories from Vietnamese folklore and history, such as tales of the country’s mythical creatures, legendary heroes, and traditional customs.
The puppets themselves are made from wood and are designed to float on water. The puppeteers use long poles to control the puppets’ movements, creating a mesmerizing display of dance and motion.
Water puppetry is a beloved part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, and the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is one of the best places to experience this unique and captivating art form. With its lively music, colorful puppets, and engaging storytelling, the water puppet shows offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural traditions and history.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a unique and popular attraction located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam. The theater specializes in the art of water puppetry, a traditional form of Vietnamese entertainment that dates back to the 11th century.
Water puppetry is a form of puppetry in which the performers stand waist-deep in water and manipulate puppets on long bamboo poles that appear to be moving on the surface of the water. The puppets are made from wood and painted in bright colors, and the performances are accompanied by traditional music played on a variety of instruments.
At the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, visitors can enjoy a variety of performances that showcase the history and culture of Vietnam. The shows are typically divided into several segments, each featuring different puppets and themes, and often include depictions of traditional rural life, mythical creatures, and important historical events.
The theater itself is a cozy and intimate space, with seating arranged in a semi-circle around a shallow pool of water. The performers are situated behind a bamboo screen that conceals them from view, but their skillful manipulation of the puppets creates the illusion that the puppets are alive and moving on their own.
Overall, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a unique and entertaining way to experience traditional Vietnamese culture and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Hanoi.