It also has hundreds of puppets for diverse and interesting performances. Starting with only five acts, Thanh Hai troupe has now a rich repertoire with dozens of acts, some of which are very unique and had won prizes at the national puppetry festivals, such as the frog-catching man, tiny firecrackers, going-to-the-field festival, etc. Thanh Hai water puppeteers have regular meetings to rehearse the old repertoire, compose new skits or make new puppets. The puppet is attached to the end of a long bamboo pole that has a string or cable running up the centre of it that is pulled or pushed to control the puppets' hand and leg movements. The show is held in a pond or lake, and the puppeteers have to stand behind a bamboo curtain and in water, sometimes waist deep. Water puppetry certainly isn’t an easy art to perform. By doing so, we preserve and develop this traditional art.” We want to keep the troupe alive, so often exchange ideas with other troupes around the country. Xoa said: "Experience handed down to us from the elderly villagers-performers is an invaluable treasure. Now at 36, he is entrusted by the elderly villagers to be head of the troupe. Pham Khac Xoa has manipulated the puppets since he was a little boy. Nguyen Van Huan, who was head of Thanh Hai Water Puppetry Troupe, said: "Thanh Hai water puppetry has developed over hundreds of years thanks to the local villagers who wholeheartedly support this art of their native homeland and to the devoted performers who constantly renew the vitality of this traditional art." Water puppetry performances mainly reflect the daily activities and life of residents living in the northern river delta.
Thanh Hai water puppeteers standing in water behind a bamboo curtain manipulate the puppets. Stories about the Thanh Hai Water Puppetry Troupe, which includes an outstanding collection of amateur performers and has won numerous prizes for their programme, attract the attention of researchers, cultural organizations and individuals interested in the art of Vietnamese water puppetry. With its more than a 300-year-old history, Thanh Hai water puppetry is performed at most major festivals and celebrations nationwide, including the cultural festival in Hue, the National Water Puppetry Festival and the yearly Hung Kings’ Temple Festival. Preparations not only include rehearsing, but also maintenance on the puppets.
As the lunar year draws to an end, members of the Thanh Hai Puppetry Troupe in Thanh Ha District in the northern province of Hai Duong, jump into action and diligently prepare for their upcoming performances.
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