Water puppetry is a unique art form performed in a pool of water, using specially crafted puppets controlled from behind a screen.
Water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese art form, is brought to life through a clever combination of puppets, water, and skilled puppeteers.
The Performance Setup
The most distinctive aspect of water puppetry is its stage: The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. This pool serves as both the stage and the medium through which the puppets move.
Behind the pool, a screen is typically erected to conceal the puppeteers from the audience. This creates the illusion that the puppets are moving magically on the water's surface.
The Puppets and Their Control
The stars of the show are the puppets themselves. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered, which makes them waterproof and durable for performances in the water. These wooden puppets often depict characters from village life, historical events, or mythical creatures.
Controlling these puppets from beneath the water is a sophisticated technique:
- Underwater Support: A large bamboo rod supports the puppet under the water. This rod extends from the puppet down to the puppeteer.
- Puppeteer Control: The puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, use these bamboo rods and an intricate system of strings and mechanisms attached to them to manipulate the puppets.
- Creating Movement: By skillfully maneuvering the rods and strings underwater, the puppeteers can make the puppets perform various actions like walking, swimming, dancing, or even performing elaborate stunts, giving the appearance of smooth, lifelike motion on the water's surface.
The water not only provides the stage but also helps to conceal the control mechanisms, adding to the mystique of the performance. Accompanied by live traditional music, water puppetry offers a fascinating and visually captivating storytelling experience.
