The Hong Phong water stage is closely tied to local life.
The Hong Phong water stage is closely tied to local life.
Driven by passion and a deep sense of responsibility for their ancestral heritage, the artisans quietly sustain their craft—passing on skills and folk repertoires.
Driven by passion and a deep sense of responsibility for their ancestral heritage, the artisans quietly sustain their craft—passing on skills and folk repertoires.
For them, each wooden puppet is more than a prop; it embodies the memories of rural life and reflects the customs, spirit, and soul of the Vietnamese people.
For them, each wooden puppet is more than a prop; it embodies the memories of rural life and reflects the customs, spirit, and soul of the Vietnamese people.
Musicians and singers play a big role in every water puppetry performance.
Musicians and singers play a big role in every water puppetry performance.
The sounds of drums, traditional instruments, and folk songs illustrate the narrative colorfully.
The sounds of drums, traditional instruments, and folk songs illustrate the narrative colorfully.
The Hong Phong water puppetry troupe performs for domestic and international tourists.
The Hong Phong water puppetry troupe performs for domestic and international tourists.
Behind bamboo screens, puppeteers stand waist-deep in water and skillfully maneuver lacquered wooden figures using hidden rods and strings.
Behind bamboo screens, puppeteers stand waist-deep in water and skillfully maneuver lacquered wooden figures using hidden rods and strings.
Their performances captivate international visitors.
Their performances captivate international visitors.
At 86, artisan Dang Van Phu, who has 37 years of experience crafting wooden puppets, says, “Each puppet is not just a prop, but a vessel of rural stories and memories of a bygone era.”
At 86, artisan Dang Van Phu, who has 37 years of experience crafting wooden puppets, says, “Each puppet is not just a prop, but a vessel of rural stories and memories of a bygone era.”
In his modest home, he carefully carves and paints a figure in hopes that his dedication will inspire younger generations to carry the tradition forward.
In his modest home, he carefully carves and paints a figure in hopes that his dedication will inspire younger generations to carry the tradition forward.
Despite his age, Phu works tirelessly to pass on his skills and techniques.
Despite his age, Phu works tirelessly to pass on his skills and techniques.
Like him, many artisans remain steadfast in their devotion, hoping to attract more audiences to the water puppet stage.
Like him, many artisans remain steadfast in their devotion, hoping to attract more audiences to the water puppet stage.
After each performance, the artisans quietly collect puppets and props for the next performances.
After each performance, the artisans quietly collect puppets and props for the next performances.
Over the years, water puppetry has enlivened northern Vietnamese folk tales. For the artisans of Hong Phong, this art is a profession. It is the essence of national cultural identity, a living heritage that must be preserved for future generations.
Over the years, water puppetry has enlivened northern Vietnamese folk tales. For the artisans of Hong Phong, this art is a profession. It is the essence of national cultural identity, a living heritage that must be preserved for future generations.