VietNamNet Bridge – Thousands of French people had a chance to enjoy the unique Vietnamese water puppetry when the Viet Nam Water Puppetry Theatre (VNWPT) toured France recently.
The troupe staged 30 shows in eight major cities in the second largest country in Europe, five of which were for children.

According to vice director of the VNWPT, Nguyen Tien Dung, the tour was to present The Master of Puppets – part of a cultural exchange project between the Vietnamese theatre and the Bordeaux Grand Theatre.

Directed by Dominique Pitoiset of the Bordeaux Grand Theatre, the play was performed by nine artists from the VNWPT. In addition, the performances were accompanied by traditional music played by People's Artist Thanh Hoai.

A 20,000-litre mobile pond was constructed for the shows.

The tour aimed to introduce Vietnamese water puppetry to French audiences while helping to preserve the unique art form.

French audiences not only had chance to learn about the art form, but also got a glimpse of the tradition, history and daily activities of Vietnamese people.

The VNWPT plans another tour of France from January 15 to March 21.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News