| "> | | | | the establishment of ancient Hanoi. Audiences will |
| A traveller who shakes his head at the disappearance | | | | continue to laugh with delight throughout the act |
| of local culture in Vietnam should think twice about it | | | | when they see the truly amazing miniature villagers |
| once he sets foot in Hanoi. This atmospheric city | | | | dancing around and dragons slithering across the |
| which will celebrate its 1000th birthday in 2010 has a | | | | surface of the water. Although the characters |
| seal of cultural influence on almost everything it has in | | | | converse in Vietnamese language, it does not hinder |
| offer, even in the enchanting light hearted comedy | | | | the enjoyment of the viewer as the story is |
| presented through intricately skilled puppetry. Water | | | | comprehensible through their gestures. In the end the |
| puppetry is unique to Northern Vietnam, originated in | | | | audience will be given a sense that they were |
| the rice-farmer folk culture. Puppets that dance in | | | | watching live characters onstage. Water puppetry art |
| shallow pools of foggy water accompanied by voices | | | | is a compelling form of ancient stagecraft as the |
| and folklore music present skillful and realistic | | | | characters, presented in the form of puppets are |
| theatrical items. This family friendly treat can be | | | | commute with nature. The puppet figures are simple |
| experienced at Thang Long Water Puppet Theater in | | | | and rough sculpture works of vibrant colour, moving |
| Hanoi. | | | | back and forth over the water. The liquid feature and |
| The storylines of these theatrical performances will | | | | the flickering reflections would enthrall the audience. |
| include the tale of the Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle and | | | | |