Telling stories from books through the art of water puppetry.

As part of the activities of the 5th Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day in the province in 2026, the book storytelling program using water puppetry created an emotionally rich experience, attracting many young people to participate and learn.

As part of the activities of the 5th Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day in the province in 2026, the book storytelling program using water puppetry created an emotionally rich experience, attracting many young people to participate and learn.

Combining book presentations with the art of water puppetry opens up an attractive approach for young people. Photo: THAO LY

If books are treasures, then water puppetry is the "boat" that carries children to that treasure in the most exciting way. On Vietnam's Book and Reading Culture Day (April 21st), with the aim of honoring the value of books, affirming the role of knowledge and character development, the combination of water puppetry and book presentations is not simply a performance, but an artistic "rendezvous" between intellect and heritage. It's also a way to bring the words that lie dormant on the page to life on the water, transforming dry knowledge into exciting visual experiences.

Mr. Pham Tan Vu, Head of the Dua Xanh Water Puppet Art Troupe (An Hoi Ward), said: "The special feature of this program is the connection of puppets with book presentation models. Accordingly, it will convey content related to puppetry such as: court dances, folk tales, Vietnamese fairy tales, family etiquette, etc."

According to Mr. Vu, the interaction between water puppetry and book promotion activities opens up a fresh approach to spreading reading culture. The puppets tell stories, "guiding" the content of the books, vividly recreating details, characters, and messages, making knowledge more visual and easily accessible. This combination elevates book promotion activities beyond rigid conventions, transforming them into emotionally rich artistic experiences. This is also a valuable intersection between knowledge and heritage, contributing to a renewed approach and promoting the development of reading culture in modern life.

Playing the role of Uncle Ba Phi, 70-year-old artist Nguyen Tien Hoa shared: "The essence of the Green Coconut Troupe's performances comes from plays learned from the North, but with variations to suit the local people. For example, in the North, there's the character 'Uncle Teu,' but I replaced it with 'Ba Phi,' a character closely associated with the riverine life of those who pioneered and established settlements."

According to artisan Nguyen Tien Hoa, water puppetry embodies the unique beauty and cultural values ​​of Vietnamese folklore through the stories it conveys to visitors. It is a product of the unique cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. Folk tales and legends are vividly recreated, offering audiences unique and unforgettable cultural experiences. These stories also authentically reflect the life, the rustic charm, and the culture of the countryside, serving as a "living history book" of the Vietnamese nation.

Through the performance of water puppetry, the Nguyen Dinh Chieu Library in Vinh Long introduced the book "Water Surface - Human Soul: Vietnamese Water Puppetry and the Journey Back to the Roots". Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, former Deputy Director in charge of the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre, after 40 years of dedicated work and contributions to the art, recounted the journey of rediscovering the origins of Vietnamese water puppetry.

This 200-page book, filled with photographs and insights from the experience of Meritorious Artist Chu Luong, vividly recreates the beauty of water puppetry. The clear and concise language, in both Vietnamese and English, helps readers visualize the history of its formation and its journey into the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Through profound explanations and valuable documentary images, the author helps readers understand the ups and downs of water puppetry throughout history. Furthermore, readers will see the tireless dedication of researchers and artists who have continuously committed themselves to preserving and promoting the essence of national culture. With its insightful and respectful perspective, the book also serves as a reminder to today's generation of their responsibility to preserve and promote the cultural and artistic heritage of humanity.

Nguyen Tuyet Minh (7th grade, Nguyen Truong To Secondary School, Long Chau Ward) shared: “This is the first time I’ve seen a water puppet show in person. The rhythmic drumming, the skillfully appearing and disappearing puppets on the water, and the fascinating stories were all wonderful. This is a way for us to better understand the unique culture of our nation and to feel a sense of responsibility as young people to love our culture and preserve the heritage of our ancestors.”

Combining reading with the art of water puppetry has opened up a creative approach. Through the movements of the puppets, the content of the book is recreated in a relatable and easily understandable way, helping the reader not only "read" but also "feel" the value of the work. This combination not only enhances the appeal of reading but also contributes to preserving and promoting the value of water puppetry, creating a bridge between knowledge and art in the community.

PHUONG THAO

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/van-hoa-giai-tri/202604/ke-chuyen-sach-bang-nghe-thuat-mua-roi-nuoc-7ed4cf0/