Joy under the cold water
These days, when every household is bustling with spring travel, artisans at the Dua Xanh Water Puppetry Art Troupe (Vinh Long province) are starting a special Tet. That is celebrating Tet with puppets.
Mr. Nguyen Van Dung (a member of the delegation) shared that working throughout Tet has become a familiar routine of the delegation and this year is no exception.
Having been attached to the profession for many years, he almost always celebrates Tet with puppets. For him, they have become close companions on the journey to bring joy to the audience, not simply performance tools.
This Tet season, the troupe goes to perform throughout the Mekong Delta provinces. Soaking in the water for a long time is very cold, but because of passion and especially when we see the audience excited, we forget all fatigue to perform our best," Mr. Dung confided.
According to Mr. Pham Tan Vu (Head of Dua Xanh Water Puppetry Art Troupe), the troupe's performance schedule has been full until the 5th day of Tet in all provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta such as Can Tho, Dong Thap, An Giang. This shows that water puppetry is gradually becoming a spiritual dish favored by people in riverine areas.
The joy of the people and the laughter of young children not only bring income to the crew members, but also are motivation for artisans to stick with the profession, determined to preserve and spread the national intangible cultural heritage," said Mr. Vu.
Bringing Ba Ba robes and folk songs into the aquarium
Bringing water puppetry from North to South, artisans have skillfully transformed to make puppets imbued with the Mekong Delta style from lyrics to gestures. Especially this year, the troupe also launched performances associated with the theme of Binh Ngo Tet.
Recalling the early days of establishment in 2020, Mr. Vu shared: "Realizing that this type is still new in the Mekong Delta, we cherished and were determined to launch the troupe. The initial foundation was puppets and plays from the North, but when we came here, we "Westernized" by putting the puppets in ba ba shirts, scarves and incorporating folk songs and melodies. This innovation is both suitable for the local cultural life and creates closeness for viewers.
According to Mr. Vu, this Tet holiday, the troupe will develop plays related to the year of Binh Ngo such as Thanh Giong and especially the performance of lucky dance "Ma dao thanh cong" to send wishes for peace and all things as desired to the audience.
Mr. Dung excitedly added: "This Tet has many unique plays such as lion playing football, dragon spraying fire, fox catching ducks, Tao Quan and even boat racing. To control a soulful puppet, the artisan must learn for at least 6 months, putting all his heart into each rhythm".
Behind each bustling performance is the silent sacrifice of the artisan under the cold water. For them, preserving the fire of the profession and preserving traditional cultural features is the happiness every Tet and spring.
