| Photo Information |
Copyright: Chuck Kuhn (ckuhn55)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 143 W: 57 N: 83]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (2202) |
| Genre: Places |
| Medium: Color |
| Date Taken: 2005-03-31 |
| Categories: Event |
| Camera: Canon 10D, Tamron 28-75 f2.8 XR Di |
| Exposure: f/2.8, 1/60 seconds |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Photo Version: Original Version |
| Date Submitted: 2005-07-20 16:42 |
| Viewed: 1021 |
| Points: 2 |
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Historical testimonies demonstrate that water puppet performances happened before the Royal Court at the onset of the 11th century, at which time it was already well structured. It is therefore assumed that prior to that period, this type of entertainment had previously been in widespread use in the villages.
The Thang Long Water Pupper Theater boasts a famous troupe of puppeteers that has been all over the world. The “action” takes place on a water stage, whereby various puppets are introduced to recreate Vietnamese rural life and its dependence on the agricultural cycle. We witness mythical figures, like dragons, expertly dancing and plunging in and out of the murky water; basket boats appear with their load to transport food from one place to another. There are children at play and ducks lined up in a row doing their own dance on the water.
The majority of rice farmers’ rituals are always manifest by the fixation of an awful harvest: thus, the ritual invocation of rain was particularly important. Water would always play a major part: washing of the pagodas with water and ablution of the Buddha statues and scholars, bathing the elders, releasing of fish and other marine animals, swimming competitions, and water puppets…
The actual theater is a very unassuming structure, which we almost missed, as in this particular instance, our taxi driver was not quite certain as to where he was heading. It’s on the right hand side of Dinh Tien Hoang Street, and a long and narrow tower bears the inscription of the theater’s name. You cannot assume that you will get seats for the next performance: as in the old days, seats are assigned and adhered to quite strictly. You may choose from first-class seats for VND40, 000 (about US$2.55) or second-class seats for VND20, 000 (about US$1.25). The first class-section was sold out until the following night, so we purchased advanced tickets.
No one is permitted to enter the upper level of the theater until everyone from the previous show has left. The theater is not that large, so if you have purchased second-class tickets, you can still get a fairly good view of what is going on. They have an introduction in English, French, and Vietnamese; lights are dimmed and the musicians and singers on the side of the stage begin to chant, actually recounting a story. Most of the instruments are percussion, which produce more grandiose and extraordinary sounds – large drums, cymbals, castagnettes, rattles… and let’s not forget the fireworks for the grand finale.
The puppets themselves are quite comical in appearance, and one can purchase from shops in the area those puppets that have been retired in favor of newer models. The protagonist here is Teu, the farmer, who is somewhat of a buffoon. |
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