VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese puppeteers won first prize at the 8th Petrushka World Puppet Carnival in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Viet Nam National Puppet Theatre’s director Ngo Thanh Thuy (right) receive first prize from the organisers. — Photo nhandan.com

The artists from the Viet Nam National Puppet Theatre performed two repertoires including a traditional water puppet show and one with popular marionettes. The Vietnamese troupe also bagged the award for best puppet design.

"Traditional Vietnamese water puppetry is popular because of its unique and long history. We are proud of being the winner at an international festival," said Ngo Thanh Thuy, the theatre’s director leading the Vietnamese troupe at the event. "International artists highly appreciate Vietnamese marionettes. Vietnamese marionette performances are creative and traditional, having a strong impression on artists and audiences as well.”

"Vietnamese artists combine various kinds of marionettes, such as string, rod, finger, glove and mask in a performance whilst other troupes perform just one kind."

The second and third prizes went to French and Thai troupes.

The Petrushka World Puppet Carnival has been held annually since 2012. This year, the carnival was held from August 12 to 20 attracting marionette troupes from 30 countries and territories with 40 performances.

Established in 1956, the Viet Nam National Puppet Theatre is a leading puppet theatre in Vietnam. The team had performed shows in 60 countries. The theatre has won many prizes in Vietnam and at international festivals, including in the Czech Republic in 2002; in China in 2013 and Thailand in 2014.

Source: VNS