The 3rd International Puppet Festival recently held in Hanoi attracted the participation of 10 puppet troupes from many countries and territories around the world. At the festival, the artists brought the public a series of unique performances imbued with the typical cultural features of each country and region.
The festival introduced to Vietnamese audiences 19 interesting acts of troupes from Turkey, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, Israel, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Egypt and the host country Vietnam. Each performance showed the most typical puppet genre of each country, such as rod puppetry of China, Vietnam and Indonesia; string puppetry of Egypt and Thailand, hand puppetry of Vietnam and Taiwan; ball puppetry of Israeli, Turkey, Cambodia and Thailand; and especially water puppetry of Vietnam.
Most of the acts focused on traditional themes and hot issues of modern life, such as distinctive cultural characteristics through customs, habits and religions; feelings of human being through fairy tales and epics; and environmental pollution and the protection of the sea, forest and earth.
The 3rd International Puppet Festival recently held in Hanoi attracts the participation of 19 acts of 10 puppet troupes
from many countries and territories around the world.
A scene in “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” performed by Vietnamese artists.
A funny puppet act of Vietnamese artists at the opening ceremony.
A romantic dance of white swans performed by Vietnamese artists at the festival.
Vietnamese puppet artists play in the role of characters in the feudal dynasty.
The 3rd International Puppet Festival draws much attention of audiences at home and abroad. |
The festival provided puppet enthusiasts in Hanoi with an opportunity to enjoy interesting and unique acts, such as “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” (Vietnam), “Solemn Compatriotism”, “Melody of Memoir” (Vietnam), “The Colour of the Central Highland” (Vietnam), “The Death of Rahwana” (Indonesia), “Moon Princess” (Israel), “Mystery 2/3” (Vietnam), “White Space” (Vietnam), “Garbage Monster” (Turkey), “Heaven” (the Philippines) and “Giant Elephants” (Laos).
Besides the aim of honouring the art of puppetry of different countries, the festival was a chance for artists to exchange and learn experiences. Wawan Gunawan Ajen, head of the Wayang Golek Ajen Troupe from Indonesia said: “I am very happy when I arrive in Hanoi to participate in the festival. I love Vietnam! Vietnam and Indonesia are friends and I hope I will return to this country soon.”
“Mystery” act of Vietnam gets a silver prize at the festival.
A scene in “Mystery” act.
Sorcerer Jafar, Aladdin and princess in “Aladin and Magic Lamp” act. 
A puppet act by Taiwan’s troupe, China.
“Garbage Monster” act performed by Turkey’s troupe.
“Moon Princess” act of Israel’s troupe.
A performance by Laos’ troupe. |
In terms of the quality of the acts, Master Nguyen Thanh Nhan, Head of the Board of Examiners of the 3
rd International Puppet Festival said: “This festival once again affirms that all issues in life and society can be reflected through the art. Each festival helps us understand more about the culture and people of each country...”
The festival ended with gold medals awarded to three acts: “Melody of Memoir” (Hai Phong Puppet Troupe, Vietnam), “Solemn Compatriotism” (Thang Long Puppet Theatre, Vietnam) and “Death of Rahwana” (Wayang Golek Ajen Troupe, Indonesia) and 14 gold medals to the most outstanding artists
An interesting scene of hand puppetry in the "Melody of Memoir" act performed by Hai Phong puppet troupe.
“Melody of Memoir” act wins a golden prize at the festival.
“The Death of Rahwana” act performed by Indonesia’s troupe wins a golden prize at the festival. 
A puppet act by Indonesia’s troupe. |
The festival showed the vitality of puppetry, a traditional art of many countries in the world and the development of Vietnamese puppetry in the mosaic painting of international puppetry.
Story: Thuc Hien - Photo: Trinh Van Bo