Vietnamese puppetry to perform at world theater congress

Vietnam’s 10-minute puppet show will represent Asia-Pacific folk art troupes at the opening ceremony of the 36th International Theatre Institute (ITI) World Congress.

A scene from Dragon's Dream puppet show. Photo: VNA

With the theme of “Reunite, for the Performing Arts and Humanism”, the congress will take place from February 19 to 25 in Fujairah City of United Arab Emirates.

Together with colleagues from four troupes representing Europe, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, 20 artists from Vietnam will perform at the opening ceremony of the congress. 

According to Vietnamese People’s Artist Nguyen Tien Dung, Director of Vietnam Puppet Theater, the show is an imaginative story reflecting the urgent problems facing the world such as child abduction, noise pollution, poverty, ocean disputes, and war.

“Dragon’s Dream” is a perfect combination of different types of stage performances like puppetry, cheo fork performance, contemporary dance, among others on the background of modern visual, sound and lighting effects.

In the spotlight of the show is Teu, a popular Vietnamese water puppet character, who represents the Vietnamese people, said to be kind, simple but clever and witty.

War broke out when Teu and the villagers are living happily in their beautiful hometown. These brave people then, are united and stood together against the enemy.

"The puppet show aims to convey to international friends the message that Vietnamese people are peace-loving and brave. War may go on somewhere on Earth, it may destroy everything, but life, love will last forever," he said.

"The most impressive thing about the show is the performers. They not only control different kinds of puppets with rods and strings but also act as contemporary dancers," he added.

The show is expected to offer audiences a new perspective on Vietnamese puppetry, which is gradually innovating and constantly creating.