Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Traditional water puppet theater near Hoan Kiem Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Thang Long Water Puppet Theater is a traditional stage in Hanoi where wooden figures perform on water, controlled by puppeteers hidden behind a screen using submerged poles. The stage itself is a water basin where the carved wooden puppets appear to move and dance as if by magic.
Water puppetry began in the 11th century in the rice fields of North Vietnam, where farmers created entertainment during harvest seasons. Over time, this simple form of amusement evolved into a respected art form that has survived to the present day.
The performances tell Vietnamese folk stories and village scenes, accompanied by traditional instruments like the dan bau. The music and movements of the wooden figures open a window to customs and everyday life from centuries past.
The theater sits near Hoan Kiem Lake, a central location that makes it easy to find and visit. It helps to arrive early to secure good seating and explore the area before or after the show.
The puppeteers stand in the water behind the stage during performances, using long bamboo rods to control each movement precisely. This hidden technique makes the mechanics invisible, allowing the wooden figures to appear genuinely alive.
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