Water puppetry is a unique art form from Vietnam, unlike any other type of puppetry. Instead of performing on a dry stage, these puppets dance right on the water!
A Stage on the Water
Water puppet shows are usually performed in ponds or lakes, where a small house called a “water pavilion” (thủy đình) is built. Behind it, a curtain hides the puppeteers. The stage is beautifully decorated with flags, fans, parasols, elephants, and ceremonial gates, making it look like a lively festival.
The Puppets That Can Swim!
Water puppets are made from sung wood, a type of lightweight wood that helps them float on water. Skilled artisans carve and paint them in bright, cheerful colors, bringing each character to life.
The Secret Behind Puppet Movements
As the puppets swim, dance, and even fight, people often wonder: How do they move so naturally?
The secret lies in poles and strings hidden underwater! Puppeteers, standing behind the curtain, skillfully control the puppets from a distance, making them move smoothly and realistically.
Dragons That Breathe Fire and Spray Water!
One of the most exciting performances in water puppetry is the dragon dance. Two golden dragons appear from beneath the water, twisting and turning gracefully, spraying water from their mouths. Suddenly, they dive underwater, then rise up and breathe fire!
Wow! How can dragons breathe both fire and water? The trick is in the way they are built. Their mouths are hollow, allowing puppeteers to insert a small firecracker. When lit, the firecracker creates a burst of flames. At the same time, a small pump inside the dragon works like a syringe—pulling in water when submerged and spraying it out when lifted. Thanks to this clever design, the dragon can fly, breathe fire, and spray water all at once!
Music and Lights – A Magical Performance
A water puppet show is not just about moving puppets. It is also full of music, drumbeats, and firecrackers. Puppeteers on both sides of the stage sing and call out in rhythm with the puppets, making the show even more lively, like a grand festival.
Exciting Stories Told Through Puppets
Water puppetry tells stories about Vietnamese village life, such as farming, fishing, dragon dances, wrestling, and parades. Sometimes, famous fairy tales like Tấm Cám and Thạch Sanh are performed as well.
The Puppeteers – The Heroes Behind the Curtain
To bring these performances to life, puppeteers must stand in the water for hours, no matter the weather. During international tours in freezing countries, the water can be ice-cold. To stay warm, they wear waterproof clothes, use heat packs, and even drink fish sauce to warm their bodies!
Water puppetry is not just a fun performance; it is a treasured cultural tradition of Vietnam. If you ever get the chance, make sure to watch a water puppet show—it’s truly magical!