The small water pagoda stands near the shore of Ho Long Tri Lake in the village of Sai Son, just west of Hanoi. Regular performances of the local water puppet theater are held there.

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Water puppet theater exists only in Vietnam. Its origins are unclear, but it was probably an integral part of the country's cultural life as early as the 11th century. This art form was kept strictly secret and passed on only within a family, from the old to the young. In the 1980s, it had almost died out when a French organization revived this tradition with new puppets and a new stage. The ensembles have already toured successfully abroad several times, and performances can be attended in several cities.

The audience is welcomed musically by a small traditional orchestra that accompanies the entire performance. The orchestra members also lend their voices to the puppets. The orchestra is usually seated next to the stage, which consists of a pool of water. Originally, this pool was the village pond or a lake. In the pool, behind a curtain of woven bamboo, stand the actors who manipulate the water puppets mounted on 3- to 4-meter-long poles. The poles are below the water surface, while the puppets are above it. The figures, which are 30 cm to 1 m tall and weigh 1 to 5 kg, are carved from the soft and light wood of the common fig tree. They are coated with resins and varnishes to make them waterproof, which is also said to help against woodworm. The movable limbs or other moving components are controlled by pulleys.

Scenes from rural life are often depicted, such as fishing, a flute player on a buffalo, or a smoking farmer. Also depicted are mystical dances of lions and fire-breathing dragons, as well as the four sacred animals: the phoenix, the Chinese unicorn, the Chinese dragon, and the tortoise.

Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wasserpuppentheater

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 10 m

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Location: Vietnam

Thủy Đình Water Puppet Pavilion, Hoàng Long Lake

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