Water Puppet Theatre
Ancient magic of Vietnamese legends on water surface
What it is and why
History of this theater goes back to XI century, when after harvest peasants entertained themselves with performances directly in middle of rice checks. Today this is honed mastery, where puppeteers, hidden behind bamboo screen, control wooden figures with help of complex system of poles and underwater threads.
During show you will see revived scenes from rural life: plowing buffaloes, fishermen, dancing dragons and fairies. Performance of traditional Vietnamese music by live orchestra, supplemented by splashes of water and fire special effects, creates unique atmosphere which is impossible to repeat in ordinary puppet theater.
Where to do it in Vietnam
Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.
- Thang Long theaterHanoi
Most famous theater in Hanoi, located at lake of Returned Sword.
- Golden DragonHo Chi Minh
Best place for acquaintance with puppet art in South of country.
- Puppet theater in Hoi AnHoi An
Chamber performances in ancient city, ideal after walk near river.
Tips
- Tickets in popular theaters of Hanoi are sold out quickly, better book online couple of days before.
- If you want to see details of puppet control, choose places in center of hall, but not in very first row, to not miss general view of scene.
- Do not try to shoot show on professional camera with flash — this disturbs artists and breaks atmosphere.
Caution
- In tourist places check presence of air conditioners in hall, as in hot days can be stuffy.
- Be careful with street touts, buy tickets only in official ticket offices of theaters.