One thing I love doing is learning about all the different types of puppetry, whether it be traditional or modern. Several years ago, I came across the Vietnamese water puppets, and was instantly fascinated. Never before had I seen puppetry done on water, and ever since, I’ve wanted to learn more about the style. So when I saw this book appear on eBay, I knew I just had to buy it - and so I did!

continue reading...

Water puppetry is a traditional art form native only to the Vietnamese. This particular craft is highly intricate, despite the simplicity of the imagery and storylines. (Video is at the bottom of this article)

The water puppetry began as farmers in Vietnam spent much of their lives in the flooded rice paddies, working. Water became such a part of their daily life, that it was natural to display and narrate their beliefs, customs, and events, using water as the setting. Water puppetry is in fact, thousands of years old, and the scenes set in the performances can include farming traditions, buffalo fighting, fishing, and special events or rituals. There are also retellings of local mythology.

continue reading...