Múa rối nước

The water puppet theater ( Mua Roi Nước ) is only available in Vietnam. Its origins are unclear, but probably it was in the 11th century an integral part in the cultural life of the country. This art form was kept strictly secret and shared only within a family of the ancients to the boys. In the 1980s it was almost extinct, as a French organization with new dolls and a new stage this tradition raised back to life. The ensembles have been repeatedly successful guest appearances abroad, and you can watch the performances in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

The audience is musically by a small orchestra (including a monochord, Vietnamese: Djan construction) welcomes that accompanies the whole performance. In addition, the orchestra members lend their voices to the dolls. The orchestra usually sits next to the stage, consisting of a water basin. Originally, this water basin of the village pond or a lake. In the basin behind a curtain of woven bamboo, the actors, the handle mounted on the 3 to 4 m long poles Water Puppet. The bars are located below the puppets above the water surface. The 30 cm to 1 m wide and 1 to 5 kg figures are carved out of the soft and light wood of the common fig tree. They are covered with waterproof resins and paints, what should also help against woodworm. The moving limbs or other movable components are controlled by cables.

Are often depicted scenes of rural life such as fishing, a flute player on a buffalo or a smoking Bauer. In addition, mystical dances of lion and fire-breathing dragons are seen as well as the four sacred animals: Phoenix, KY LAN ( Qilin, the Chinese unicorn ) Long ( Chinese Dragon ) and Turtle. A popular motif is also the legend of the Restored Sword, in the King Le Loi, the Chinese from Vietnam expelled in the 15th century, which he handed over by the gods sword during a boat trip on the Hoan Kiem Lake by a golden turtle is rescued, to return it to the gods.

In the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre in Hanoi Tickets cost 60,000 to 100,000 đ (about 2.15 to 3.60 € ) Stand 11.2013. Before the screening room are free programs in different languages. Even the announcements take place except in Vietnamese into English and French.