WATER PUPPETRY: Unique traits explained (2)

What makes water puppetry become a symbol of Vietnamese culture? Let's find out in this post.

The water - main stage

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As its name suggests, water puppetry is performed on a water stage. This feature helps water puppetry stand out among other kinds of puppet performances, for it's the only type presented on such a stage. Thus, the stage itself - Thủy đình - is the first thing that makes water puppetry special. This structure resembles the communal house of the Viet people, but it is submerged in water, usually in the middle of a pond or lake.

Thủy Đình

The water puppet stage is also equipped with many props such as flags, fans, elephants, canopies, and gates, which contribute to an atmosphere rich in folk and traditional elements from the rural life of Northern Vietnam. To ensure that the visual appearance of the stage remains flawless, all aspects of artistic design must be highly coordinated, reflecting the seamless collaboration between the director and the artist.

Thủy Đình greatly enhances water puppetry performance by creating a contrast between water surface and natural light. All of this brings vibrant life to the stage beneath the thủy đình, imbuing the puppet figures gliding on the water with spirit. Water is the element that creates the "magic" of water puppetry, serving as the medium that envelops, conceals, and skillfully reveals the water puppets.

The puppets - the magic of the performance

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The puppets are the soul of Water puppetry. Each puppet is a unique creation, for they are handmade by skillful craftsmen, carrying their own stories. Yet together, they represent Vietnamese culture as a whole. Thus, puppets are the messengers of folk arts.

Puppets are created using fig wood - a light wood that is resistant to water. Each puppet has two main parts: the separate body parts (such as arms, legs, head, etc.) and the joints that would be connected to some cords or simple machines so that the performers can control the puppets' movement. The puppets are intricately carved with tight-fitting clothing and adorned with traditional Vietnamese lacquerware costumes. The faces and bodies of the puppets representing ordinary labourers are cheerful, plump, innocent, and highly humorous. In contrast, puppets of higher social classes and soldiers appear more serious, with sometimes fewer lively and vibrant features.

Some puppets (Source: mega.vietnamplus)

Designs are based on observations and self-practice, embodying many elements of contemporary society. This can be noticed in the colour of puppets' clothes or in their hairstyle. Puppets evolved both as a unique identity and a symbol of our culture. From fairy tale characters and national heroes, to everyday farmers, all characters are so vivid, so authentic, yet so simple and familiar. This also reflects the essence of folk art, which is passed down through experience and successive generations, directly connecting with the community experience.

Although many elements are involved, the design of water puppets shares a common perspective: the characters are distinct in their personality and possess a puppet-like quality (naïve, whimsical) that suits the water medium. Vietnamese water puppets often feature a stylized, playful, innocent, and rustic form. The most iconic character is Mr. Tễu, with his round body and humorous and optimistic smile, who appears joyful and mischievous. He usually appears at the beginning of a play to lead and open the performance.

Chú Tễu - the most iconic character in Water puppetry (Source: Brand Về Làng)

A special thing about these puppets is that none of them are considered to be "wasted," even if the design deviated from the original purpose. Each puppet has its own meaning, its own story, waiting to be unveiled when the lights are on. Hence, the performing artists may use them at one time or another.

The music - echoing across water

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As a traditional performing art form, music is the element that breathes life into each movement of the puppets. The music in water puppetry is characterized by traditional melodies played on folk instruments: drums, gongs, flutes, and trumpets, along with the sounds of spectacular fireworks and cannon blasts rising from the water.

Musician accompanying water puppetry performances

The artists on either side contribute with songs and chants that accompany each puppet's movements, dynamically responding to each scene change, creating a lively and festive atmosphere that rivals any land-based festival.

The plot - flowing with the stream

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The plots are created from a wide range of Vietnamese ancient stories and thếm, depicting daily life and folk legends of the Vietnamese people. Typical themes in these puppet shows include stories celebrating agricultural activities such as plowing, planting, fishing, threshing, and rice pounding; depictions of festivals like boat racing, buffalo fighting, wrestling, and cockfighting; tales honoring the legendary warriors like Bà Trưng, Bà Triệu, and King Lê Lợi; stories inspired by famous traditional operas like "Quan Âm Thị Kính"; and narratives based on religious rituals such as temple visits, sacred waters, and festivals. All of them reflect the Vietnamese dream of a better life: a flourishing country where everyone can enjoy their lives in peace.

A water puppetry performance depicting Vinh quy bái tổ (Source: mega.vietnamplus)

The diverse treasure trove of stories and themes showcases the vibrant and relatable life of water puppetry, allowing this art form to present innovative performances and allow artists to explore various narratives. It can be said that originating from the lives of rural workers, water puppetry has been nurtured by sincere emotions, reflecting the aspirations of the era and the farmers who toil year-round in the fields with their oxen.

Each puppet performance appears as a realistic depiction of village life. In the folk melodies familiar to any Vietnamese, the puppets transform into characters such as farmers, rice planters, festival-goers, fishermen, warriors, and kindly fairies.

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