International visitors 'inaugurate' Thanh Hai water puppet village (Thanh Ha)

Many foreign tourists enjoy taking pictures of the water puppet show.

On the afternoon of February 2nd (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year of the Snake), a group of 26 international tourists from various countries visited Thanh Hai Water Puppet Village to watch a water puppet performance after arriving at Thai Binh River.

During the performance, the artists presented seven captivating stories, including: King Le Loi returning the sword, Teu teaching the child a lesson, the dragon burning the Bodhi leaf, planting rice, plowing the field, etc.

The performance of "King Le Loi Returns the Sword" was lively and engaging.

The simple yet vibrant performances, recreating the working and daily lives of rural people, left a deep impression on foreign tourists. The show also attracted many local people to enjoy it on the first day of spring.

The scene depicts rice planting and plowing.

Sylvia Margaret, the oldest tourist in the group (85 years old) from New Zealand, said: “This is the first time I’ve seen such a wonderful traditional folk art performance. The trip not only gave me the opportunity to learn about traditional water puppetry but also provided a truly cultural experience in Vietnam.”

Foreign tourists travel by river via Thai Binh river port and walk to enjoy the art of water puppetry in Thanh Hai commune.

In previous years, the Thanh Hai water puppet troupe often held spring performances in the southern provinces and the Central Highlands. However, in recent years, the Thanh Hai water puppet troupe has become an ideal destination for students and people in the province to visit and experience.

According to Mr. Pham Khac Xoa, head of Thanh Hai water puppetry ward, since 2024 the ward has collaborated with many primary and kindergarten schools in Hai Duong City and Thanh Ha District to perform water puppetry. Through these performances, students enjoy the program, contributing to the preservation of traditional cultural values.

Members of the water puppet troupe perform and introduce each act to tourists.

Thanh Hai water puppetry has a history of over 300 years. Since 1999, water puppet enthusiasts in An Liet village have come together to restore and rebuild the puppet troupe. Initially, only 20 artisans participated, but today, the number of members has increased to 29.

MINH NGUYEN

Source: https://baohaiduong.vn/khach-quoc-te-xong-dat-phuong-roi-nuoc-thanh-hai-thanh-ha-404391.html