This is my third time catching the Water Puppets. The first was in the 90s in Singapore, the second occassion was in 2005 and now, 2012. I enjoyed this art form and since I had some time to kill before my next appointment, I forked out 100,000d (US$5) for the 5 pm performance. The troupe stages 3 performances a day and cheaper ticket prices are available. It was a small auditorium and you had a good view even if you purchased the cheaper tickets.
The art form is believed to be more than 1000 years old and originated from the paddy fields.
Now, we have the comfort in catching the performance in a theatre environment, with live musicians and singers at the side of the stage. The musicians provided a lively accompaniment to the actions on stage.
The actors or the puppeters were behind the screen and half emerged in water. The production consists of various short programmes and deals with rural lives or myths. For example, there would be a boy with his buffalo, the romance of 2 birds, and their eventual offspring.
Even if I am watching for the third time, I am still mesmerised by the actors (or the puppets?)
It is definitely a treat catching them perform again. Highly recommended for visitors to Hanoi. Do purchase tickets in advance as the theatre was usually packed with tourists on package tours.
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