Vietnam Retreat -Water Puppet Show

I had a chance to visit Vietnam recently. Let me start with one of the most beautiful, unforgettable part of the trip.

Mua Roi Nuoc or Water Puppet performed by Thang Long puppet troupe is the most well known in Ha Noi. One must catch this show in order to complete their trip to Vietnam.

It is a unique art which has it origin in the delta of the Red river in the tenth century. The farmers in this region devised a form of entertainment using what natural medium they can find in their environment. In ancient times, the ponds and the rice paddies after harvest were the stage for these impromptu shows.

Nowadays the show was performed in a pool of water with the water surface being the stage. They have enhanced the show with proper pool & great lighting effect.

The puppeteers stand behind a screen and control the puppets using long bamboo rods and string mechanism hidden beneath the water surface. If you are wondering, yes, the puppeteers are all wet!

The puppeteers

A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides background music accompaniment. I believe the singers sing songs which tell the story being acted out by the puppets. I don’t understand a single word but I understood the whole story because the actions were pretty straight forward.

This is the section for the orchestra

It was a brilliant show. It requires a lot of hardwork and precision. At one point, I almost forgot that there were people behind the curtain, choreographing the movements of the puppets.

I recorded parts of the show (coz I was just too busy enjoying it most of the time!). Enjoy!!

Further info on this show? click here!

~Cheers!