What is Vietnamese Water Puppetry?

Water puppetry is literally performed in water. It is an art form unique to North Vietnam and dates back to the 10th century AD.

In ancient times, the rural Vietnamese believed that spirits controlled all aspects of their lives, from the kitchen to the rice paddies. So they devised water puppetry as a way to satisfy these spirits. When the rice fields would flood, villagers would entertain each other using this impromptu puppet form.

Today the tradition continues. Most Vietnamese water puppeteers are not professional storytellers; they are farmers participating in the local village water puppetry guilds in their free time.

Modern water puppetry is performed in a waist-deep portable pool or tank of water 4 meters square or in a traditional pond—with the water surface being the stage. The puppets are built out of wood and are light, durable and waterproof. A puppeteer makes them appear to walk on water. Spotlights and colorful flags adorn the stage and create a festive atmosphere. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides background music accompaniment and songs tell the story being acted out on "stage."

In addition to folk tales passed down through generations, skit themes typically revolve around daily life in rural Vietnam. Stories highlight the harvest, fishing, festivals, legends, and national history. Many of the skits have a humorous twist.