Water Puppet show in Hanoi - Get a thorough understanding about Vietnamese arts

Short history

Water puppetry is a special folk art created by the people living in the Red River Delta in Northern Vietnam. This art form dates back to the 11th century. A water puppet show Vietnam used to be held at a village’s communal pond. There would be a small pavilion amidst the pond, which was like the backstage for the artists when they performed the show. 

In a Hanoi water puppet show, puppets are made of wood and then lacquered to be waterproof and durable. During the show, the puppets are controlled via a bamboo rod and strings hidden under the water surface by puppeteers standing behind the stage.The performance of the puppets on stage usually comes along with “Cheo” singing – a traditional folk music of the Northern people. Indispensably, the show also involves several instruments, such as drums, monochord, cymbals, flutes, horns, gongs, etc.

Water Puppet show story

The puppet shows are usually about the daily life of rural people, as well as the stories of legends and historical heroes. It shows many things about the Northern people’s customs and traditions. Watching a Hanoi water puppet show is hence a great way to better understand the local culture and history. 

The show has not changed much today; only the environment and the locations. In the modern theatre of Hanoi the show is held in a kind of swimming pool for the puppets. The puppets are controlled by a number of puppeteers hiding behind a bamboo screen. With the help of large rods, they can control the puppets while hiding them behind the screen.

The typical themes around a water puppet show are still the same, about Vietnamese folk tales and legends with topics such as the celebration of the rice harvest that is portrayed in a humorous way. 

Performances are accompanied by a Vietnamese orchestra that plays traditional music with drums, wooden bells, horns and bamboo flutes. There are also authentic Vietnamese opera singers who tell the story that is played by the puppets. Most shows are in Vietnamese.

Nowadays, water puppet shows are no longer something that you can easily find in a random village. The fast pace of life has kept the locals from practicing and enjoying this art form. Still, visitors can come to Hanoi water puppet theaters to watch the shows.