Wading into the World of Water Puppetry in Hanoi
Traditional art and music make for nice performance.
The Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi, Vietnam, is a unique and fascinating art form that has been entertaining locals and tourists for centuries. This ancient form of puppetry is performed on a stage that is partially submerged in water, with puppeteers standing waist-deep behind a bamboo screen.
The history of the Water Puppet Theatre can be traced back to the 11th century when it was performed by farmers in the flooded rice paddies of the Red River Delta. The farmers used this form of puppetry to entertain themselves during the monsoon season when the fields were flooded. Over time, the art form evolved and became more elaborate, incorporating music, dance, and storytelling.
Today, the Water Puppet Theatre is a popular attraction in Hanoi, with daily performances at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. The performances showcase traditional Vietnamese folk tales and legends, with each puppet representing a character in the story. The puppets are made of wood and are intricately carved and painted to represent different animals, people, and mythical creatures.
The puppeteers, who are highly skilled and trained, control the puppets using long bamboo rods that are hidden under the water. The puppets appear to be gliding on the surface of the water, creating a magical and ethereal effect.
The performances are accompanied by traditional Vietnamese music, played on instruments such as drums, flutes, and cymbals. The music sets the tone for the performance and adds to the overall experience.
Watching a Water Puppet Theatre performance is a unique and unforgettable experience. The intricate puppetry, combined with the lively music and storytelling, creates a captivating atmosphere that transports the audience to another world. It is a perfect way to immerse oneself in Vietnamese culture and history.
The Water Puppet Theatre is considered a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Vietnam. Its rich history and unique performances make it a fascinating and unforgettable experience. It is an excellent example of how the arts can evolve over time and continue to entertain and inspire people of all ages.
While this show is not for everyone, and the performance a little long for some, we still think it is worth seeing. The puppetry is really clever the music is good, and if you are travelling with kids they will love it. Feel free to leave early if you want, but it’s good to stick around until the end to see the puppeteers appear from behind the screen giving you a good idea of the scale and how it all works.
The Water Puppets can sell out for popular times during peak season so do prebook to make sure you get a seat. The best value seats are $9 and start from row 10 but if you want closer to the front there are tickets for up to $17 to be in the first 5 rows. Pick up your tickets from Dragonfly Cruise travel agent, just 250m from the theatre. Be there at least 15 minutes before your show starts. Currently only operating Thu-Sat but we expect more days will be added as tourism numbers continue to recover. $9-17.
Empower your inner adventurer and DIY an awesome holiday in Vietnam.
