Vietnamese Water Puppetry: Timeless Tales On A Liquid Stage

It’s true that you don’t have to be a child to be entertained by Vietnam's water puppetry, or Múa Rối Nước. This unique art form, over a thousand years old, brings village life to life on an ever-changing stage, showcasing local culture in a captivating way.

Performing on a shimmering water stage, these puppets dance and tell local myths. As one guidebook states, “Not watching water puppetry means you haven't truly visited Vietnam.”

History Strings Of Water Puppetry

The origins of puppetry date back centuries, with early traces found as far back as the 5th century BC in ancient Greece. Over time, it evolved into various forms, including water and dry puppetry. In water puppetry, skilled artists bring puppets to life beneath the water's surface.

Water puppetry in Vietnam has roots that stretch back to the 11th century, emerging from the villages of the Red River Delta. Initially performed during community festivals, this folk art eventually gained prominence in royal courts. By the 12th century, under the Lý Dynasty, elite puppet troupes entertained royalties.

The liberation of North Vietnam in 1954 marked a turning point for water puppetry. In March 1956, the establishment of the first professional puppetry theater under the guidance of Uncle Ho affirmed its place as a vital part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

It serves not only as entertainment but also as a "living history book," narrating the tales and values of a resilient nation.

From The Tales Of Flooded Fields…

In Vietnam, a land rich in agricultural heritage and rice culture, the captivating art of water puppetry has thrived. Leveraging the tropical environment and abundant water resources, this unique form of entertainment not only brings joy but also strengthens community bonds among farmers.

Water puppetry showcases the creativity and resourcefulness of Vietnamese farmers. In seeking relaxation from their daily toil, they crafted puppets from wood, evolving from simple shapes to intricate characters that tell enchanting stories on the water's surface.

Without formal training, these artisans transformed communal spaces into vibrant stages, where imagination and hard work shine through.

Each puppet, typically 60 cm tall and weighing between 5 to 15 kg, is crafted from wood and meticulously painted and lacquered for durability. Puppeteers deftly control the vibrant figures - depicting women in elegant attire, boys riding buffaloes, and mythical dragons - using a combination of rods and strings from beneath the surface.

As Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, a veteran of nearly 40 years, observes, “Folk art provides entertainment for farmers after a long day, narrating legends and weaving our national history into a rich tapestry.” The French have aptly called water puppetry “the soul of the Vietnamese field,” recognizing its significance as one of the world’s most treasured puppetry forms.

…To Cultural Treasures

Performance

Traditionally, water puppetry performances took place in ponds and flooded rice paddies, where villagers stood waist-deep, skillfully maneuvering puppets behind bamboo screens. The rhythmic beats of drums and gongs filled the air, bringing the puppets to life and celebrating Northern Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.

Today, modern water puppetry has evolved into refined shows performed in specially designed pools about four meters square. These performances can be found in traditional village ponds, portable tanks for traveling troupes, or dedicated theaters. The water acts not only as a stage but also as a vital link to the rice harvest, enhancing acoustics and providing a stunning backdrop.

Live chèo (traditional Vietnamese opera) musicians accompany the performances, creating an immersive atmosphere that brings the stories to life. Researcher Nguyễn Huy Hồng observes, water puppetry beautifully intertwines various art forms - sculpture, architecture, music, and storytelling.

Characters And Stories

In the world of water puppetry, characters come alive, reflecting the daily lives of Vietnamese villagers. Rooted in folklore, each performance features short skits that celebrate rural life, allowing grandparents to share cherished tales of harvests and festivals with their grandchildren.

Nguyễn Hoàng Tuấn, director of the Thăng Long Water Puppetry Theater, highlights the simplicity but depth of these themes. The puppets engage in familiar activities like planting rice, fishing, and tending ducks while embarking on extraordinary adventures filled with myths and legends.

At the center of these performances is Chú Tễu (Uncle Teu), the iconic character whose name means "laugh." He serves as a witty commentator on social and political issues, using humor to critique corruption. With his cheerful presence, Chú Tễu opens each show, warmly welcoming the audience and setting the stage for an engaging experience.

Interestingly, many water puppet shows are performed without English, yet the artistry transcends language barriers. The vibrant puppets and skillful manipulation beneath the water vividly convey the stories, ensuring that all can appreciate the performance.

For an authentic experience, visit Đào Thục Village, just outside Hanoi, home to one of the last remaining water puppet workshops. Here, you can explore the craft and enjoy spectacular performances that celebrate the village’s 300-year-old tradition.

Within cities, you can take a look at various renowned water puppet theaters:

Hanoi
Thăng Long Water Puppet Theater
57B Đinh Tiên Hoàng St., Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi

Vietnam Puppet Theater
361 Trường Chinh St., Thanh Xuân District, Hanoi

Ho Chi Minh City
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai St., District 1, HCMC

Museum of Vietnamese History
2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm St., District 1, HCMC

Hue and Hoian
Huế Water Puppet Theater
8 Lê Lợi St., Vĩnh Ninh District, Hue

Hội An Theater
548 Hai Bà Trưng St., Hoian