The art of storytelling in Vietnam and in Thailand

By Mai-Ly Lehoux (ไมลีย์ เลอฮู), Volunteer in VSA2405 Songkhla Toward World Heritage Site  6-18/05/24 

The water puppetry or “Múa rối nước” 

“múa” means “dance” in Vietnamese, “rối” means “puppet” and “nước” means “water”. So this is a show on the water with puppets that are always controlled with a long stick. This stick is used to control the position of the puppets, but also to control their body members if we pull on a string placed under the puppets. In the image below, we can see the puppeteers with their long sticks.

Origins

“Múa rối nước” in Vietnamese has its origins in the rice fields of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam, where it was originally performed as a form of entertainment for farmers during the flooding season. The history of “Múa rối nước” dates back to the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, although the exact origins are somewhat unclear.

Traditionally, puppeteers would stand waist-deep in water behind a bamboo screen, manipulating puppets on long bamboo poles. These puppets were intricately carved and painted to represent various characters, animals, and mythical creatures. The performances were accompanied by traditional music, singing, and storytelling, often depicting scenes from Vietnamese folklore, legends, and daily life.

Over time, “Múa rối nước” evolved into a sophisticated art form, gaining popularity and recognition both within Vietnam and internationally. Today, it is considered a unique cultural treasure and continues to be performed in theaters and festivals across Vietnam, showcasing the rich heritage and creativity of Vietnamese puppetry traditions.