Having preserved and developed the traditional art form – water puppet for hundred years, artisans in Dao Phuc village, Thuy Lam commune, Dong Anh district, a few hours on a motorcycle from Hanoi center have been trying to hand down water puppetry to young people.
According to history, the ancestor of the career was Nguyen Dang Vinh, under the reign of Le Y Tong (1735-1740). He was an artist performing art puppetry to serve the King. He came the village and taught the Dao Thuc villagers how to perform water puppetry.
Explore the small village in the outskirts of Hanoi, gain a deeper insight into water puppet shows and process to organize a show. A team often includes about 20 people: actor puppeteers, musicians playing flute, drums and vocalists.
To perform water puppetry, artists have to dip under water, be hidden behind bamboo blinds to perform. At first it seems a bit difficult and tiring, but you will certainly feel happy after experiencing that moment. Singing is also important during a water puppet performance. The artist must understand many the traditional folk tunes such as “cheo”, “tuong”,.. These puppets on the water are very versatile and lively. Melodies from the traditional folk bring a unique feature to national music. Dao Thuc water puppet artists attract both domestic and foreign tourists.
