WATER PUPPETRY AND ITS POPULARITY AMONG TOURISTS

      

    Mua Roi Nuoc or water puppetry is an interesting form of entertainment which originated from countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Vietnam. It started 800 years ago at the Red River Delta. When the river overflowed and flooded the paddy fields, villagers were not able to work. So, the paddy fields became stages for Muo Roi Nuoc. Today, water puppetry has gained popularity around the world of its uniqueness in stage productions, puppets, and stage performances.

     Water puppetry is a popular because of its stage production. Paddy fields were only chosen stages in the past. Wood, bamboo and cloth were used in the construction of these stages. What was important was that the legs of the puppeteers were concealed and exiting water effects such as waves and splashes were created to evoke excitement. Now, however, water-tanks are built as stages. A pagoda-like structure is used as the background. It covers part of the tanks. Puppeteers hide behind manoeuvre the puppets.

    Another attraction of water puppetry is its puppets. The puppets are made of wood. They are decorated and painted in vibrant colours, and are lacquered so that beings and other objects. They have moveable heads, arms, and legs. They are 18-36 inches tall and weight about 20-30 pounds.

    Finally, tourists are also fascinated with the stage performances of water puppetry. There are about 18-25 scenes in each performance. The themes of the performance include aspects of daily activities, fairy tales and national histories. The performance is accompanied by a small orchestra that is made up of a vocalist and musicians. The musical instruments used are gongs, cymbals, and xylophones.

     In conclusion, this traditional performing art has now become appealing to tourists as it is extraordinary. Tourists from all around the world are attracted to the unique features of this puppet show.