Puppetry is a traditional stage art form that has long existed of different ethnic groups in Vietnam. It has come into existence and developed together with the wet rice civilization since the Hung Kings founded the country.
Yet, the evidence of the art of water puppetry remaining today shows that this traditional art form was seen under the reign of Ly Nhan Tong in 1121. It is inscribed on Sùng Thiện Diên Linh Stone Stele placed in Long Ðọi Pagoda, Đội Sơn Commune, Duy Tiên district, Hà Nam province. The inscription says people performed water puppets in celebration of the longevity of the King.
Due to natural conditions and agricultural work of Vietnamese people which is closely linked to water, the farmers themselves created the art of water puppetry. They often offered water puppet shows during off season, spring and festivals. The French called this art form with charming puppets as “the soul of Vietnamese rice fields” and commented: "With creation and discovery, water puppetry is worth to be considered one of the most important art forms of puppetry".
It is the use of water to activate puppets and hide manipulation machinery. It is also thanks to water, puppeteers can manipulate puppets skillfully and creatively. Water makes puppets more lively and cheerful. Water takes part in the performance of the puppets as it is commented: "Water is also a character of water puppet shows”. The water surface is peaceful with a flock of ducks swimming and becomes very romantic in illusive smoke when a group of fairies descended dancing and singing. However, it is rough in a fight full of fire when golden dragons appear.
A French newspaper wrote: "Puppets are skillfully manipulated, very difficult to imagine. They seem to be maneuvered by magic". That is the skillfulness, fascination and creation of the art of water puppetry.
In the past, water puppet was only performed outdoor, during daytime. Water puppet stage was in harmony with natural scenery. Amidst romantic nature, viewers could enjoy an art form containing soil, water, green trees, clouds, winds with fire and smoke and a communal house with red tile roof. It is really a unique harmony of the art, nature and humans.
History of Vietnam puppetry recognizes the two main forms of ground and water puppets. Ground puppetry has different forms such as hand puppet, stick puppet in Đồng Minh (Hai Phong) and Tế Tiêu (Ha Tay), and string puppet of Mộc Thầu Hý in Cao Bang and Bac Thai provinces. Water puppetry is a unique traditional art form only seen in Vietnam.
