Preserving the art of water puppetry contributes to the development of community tourism

Water puppetry is a unique folk art form, depicting the diverse and rich spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. In Thai Binh, Nguyen Xa Water Puppetry Troupe (Dong Hung) is one of two famous puppet troupes whose water puppetry art has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. Implementing Resolution No. 09-NQ/TU, dated October 3, 2024 of the Provincial Party Committee on developing tourism into an important economic sector of the province, the model of water puppetry performances serving tourists is increasingly receiving attention and investment. Thereby contributing to the development of diverse tourism spaces and products, bearing the typical brand of Thai Binh.

Water puppet performers greet the audience after the show.

Art conservation

Puppetry exists in many countries around the world, but water puppetry is unique to Vietnam. The exact time of origin of this art form is still unknown, but according to the Chinese characters engraved on an ancient stone stele from the Ly Dynasty located at Long Doi Pagoda (Ha Nam Province), in 1121, water puppetry was performed to celebrate the king's birthday. Thus, up to now, water puppetry has undergone a long-term development process, gradually perfecting itself to become a type of folk theater with profound traditional cultural values crystallized in the spiritual and cultural life of the Vietnamese people. In Thai Binh, the preservation of water puppetry is closely linked to the preservation of Cheo art.

People's Artist Nguyen Dinh Bay, head of the Nguyen Xa Water Puppetry Troupe, informed: The troupe's performance content is always the ancient plays passed down by our ancestors, especially string plays, which today's and future generations of artists must strive to preserve. In addition, to serve tourists better and better, the puppetry troupe focuses on upgrading the puppets, sound, light, dialogue, and harmonious musical instruments. Before each performance, although the work has been mastered, the preparation stage is always focused on so that when on stage, all the singing, singing, and puppetry activities in the plays must be standard. In addition to water puppetry artists, the troupe currently has Cheo singers of many ages because Cheo and puppetry have blended together. Cheo melodies have been incorporated into puppetry since our ancestors' generation.

Looking through hundreds of traditional Thai Binh water puppetry plays, we can summarize the contents: plays praising the pleasures of occupations such as: plowing, planting, herding ducks, making baskets, fishing, milling rice, pounding rice...; entertaining games vividly reflecting agricultural festivals such as: wrestling, cockfighting, buffalo fighting, boat racing, rowing, swinging...; religious rituals such as: going to festivals, casting bells, worshiping Buddha, welcoming gods... In addition, there are plays praising the tradition of fighting invaders of our people and reflecting famous excerpts from Cheo. Preserving the art of water puppetry in the present period, People's Artist Nguyen Dinh Bay emphasized: I dare to affirm that water puppetry is increasingly developing, never fading away. When the bamboo grows old, the bamboo shoots will grow. Over a decade ago, the Ford Foundation sponsored the ward to train up to 15 students in one course. Last year, with the attention of the Provincial People's Committee and the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, we taught 30 students the craft. Currently, Nguyen Xa puppetry troupe still has new classes. Although classes are not opened en masse, the artisans teach the craft through "hands-on instruction", teaching 2-3 children at a time. The artisans and actors who have been in the profession for many years in the troupe must take on the responsibility of taking on these tasks.

Water puppet performance at the water puppetry house of Nguyen Xa water puppetry guild (Dong Hung).

Bustling spring day

This spring, the joy of the artists at Nguyen Xa water puppetry troupe is that the performances at the troupe's water pavilion are becoming more regular. Thanks to the attention of the local government, along with touring in districts and cities in and outside the province, the troupe is given favorable conditions to improve the landscape and environment and has many performances to welcome visitors.

Le Dang Khoa, Dong Phong Primary School (Dong Hung) said: When I came to experience water puppetry, I felt very happy and joyful. I hope that parents and teachers will create conditions for us to experience water puppetry more.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Mai, Principal of Dong Phong Primary School shared: Through the experience of the whole school students at Nguyen Xa water puppetry, the exciting atmosphere throughout the program, we are sure that the performance will leave unforgettable memories in the students. From there, it will contribute to educating them about the sense of responsibility in preserving and conserving the intangible culture of their homeland.

As a member of the young artisans of the Nguyen Xa water puppetry troupe, Mr. Nguyen Huu Giang could not help but be moved when witnessing the passion of the students when watching the performances at the troupe's water puppetry house. He expressed: My wish is to have more and more attractive programs, attracting more domestic and international tourists to this peaceful countryside. We strive to spread the beauty of our homeland's culture to build Nguyen Xa to develop more and more.

Having been associated with the Nguyen Xa puppetry troupe for over 10 years as a Cheo singing artist, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong hopes: We always try to develop the art, not only receiving the attention and encouragement of local people and tourists from all over the country, but also mobilizing the participation of more and more generations of young people who love the profession and share the desire to preserve the art of their homeland.

Preserving traditional art by human is the key factor that determines the vitality of the art because it is preserved by love and pride for the homeland and country of each artist. Through the ups and downs of history, Thai Binh water puppetry still stands the test of time. Along with improving the quality of service, Nguyen Xa water puppetry troupe is making efforts to cooperate with tourism and travel companies in promotional activities, bringing tourists to enjoy the traditional culture of Thai Binh land.