(VOVworld) – The uniqueness of Viet folklore is reflected in folksongs combined with performance such as cheo (popular opera), tuong (classical drama) and water puppetry. On today’s edition of Colorful Vietnam – Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, VOV reporter Lan Anh exlpores water puppetry, a representative art of the Viet people.

In water puppetry, the stage is the water surface and the actors are puppets. The performance often involves lighting effects and fireworks. Water puppetry originated in Vietnam’s the Red river delta and is associated with wet rice civilization. Each water puppetry guild has its own character, but their performances all feature ancient myths and the daily life and work of farmers, who remain optimistic despite their difficulties. Hoang Minh Nguyet of the Museum of Ethnology says: “Throughout the world, there are different types of puppetry – black light puppets, body puppets, finger puppets and marionettes. But water puppetry exists only in Vietnam. Water puppetry appeared 10 centuries ago and was created by farmers. A show usually depicts the daily work of farmers – grazing buffalos, tilling, and fishing. The stage is covered with a roof and puppeteers stand in the water to manipulate the puppets”.

A water puppetry stage

In 1121 water puppetry was introduced into a series of performances to congratulate the King on his longevity. This event is recorded on an ancient stele in Long Doi pagoda in Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province. Some individuals later formed water puppetry guilds. Nguyen Huy Hong is a water puppetry researcher:“Water puppetry is a product of the Red River delta. In the beginning, puppets were called “play-actors”.

Water puppetry shows began to take place during village festivals, Lunar New Year festival, and often on special occasions. The puppets are made of fig tree wood, which is light and buoyant. The puppet faces look cheerful and cute.

They are manipulated by people who stand in the water behind a curtain using a system of poles and ropes. Nguyen Van Khoe of the Nam Dinh water puppetry guild says: “It’s difficult because you have to stand in the water without seeing clearly which rope goes to which puppet. Each performance uses dozens of ropes, so performers must remember accurately. The weather should be favorable so performers don’t catch cold. The water level should not be too low or too high.

Puppeteers during a performance

The water puppetry stage is set up in a pond or lake. Its structure resembles Vietnamese rural communal house. The performance is lively and accompanied by singing, drumming and the sounds of wooden bells and horns. Accompanying music is popular opera or folksongs of the Red River delta. Water puppetry has been handed down from generation to generation.