According to elderly artisans, water puppetry has existed in this area for about 700 years and has been continuously maintained to this day.

A performance by the Nguyen Xa water puppet troupe.

Previously, the locality had four puppet troupes, but after historical ups and downs, only the Nguyen Xa water puppet stage remains active.

Although the puppet troupes are currently limited in number, the Nguyen Xa water puppet troupe (Dong Hung commune, Hung Yen province) still affirms its position in the system of 13 folk water puppet troupes nationwide.

Nguyen Xa water puppetry has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

From the performance space to the performance techniques… everything is closely connected to the religious life and daily activities of the agricultural inhabitants of the Northern Delta.

People’s Artisan Nguyen Dinh Bay, Head of the Nguyen Xa water puppet troupe, shared: The troupe has 20 artisans who both participate in performances and handle all stages themselves, from making puppets and preparing props to organising the programme.

The management board consists of only four people and does not receive a regular salary from the local government. All activities are conducted on a “self-sufficient” basis. For each performance, the troupe allocates 20% of the budget to maintain the puppets and props.

As one of the oldest traditional puppet troupes in the country, the unique identity of Nguyen Xa water puppetry is clearly depicted through its collection of performances.

Currently, the troupe preserves 24 stories passed down through generations of artisans. The performances depict the daily life, production, and festivals of farmers in the Northern Delta region.

Technically, the performances utilise a system of poles and strings to control the puppets, with many unique string plays requiring a high level of skill.

As part of this effort, the Nguyen Xa water puppet troupe has gradually linked its performances with the development of local cultural tourism.

Many tours have been developed, with water puppetry as a highlight, contributing to the introduction of traditional culture and enriching the journey of exploring typical historical, cultural, and spiritual sites of the locality.

These include tours visiting the mausoleum and temple of the Tran Dynasty kings, the Tien La temple dedicated to General Bat Nan, experiencing traditional craft villages, offering incense at the temple of General Vo Nguyen Giap, and then stopping to enjoy the performances of the Nguyen Xa water puppets.

A performance lasts about one hour and fifteen minutes with approximately 20 acts and requires the close coordination of 20 artisans.

Ten musicians provide the music on shore, while ten artisans control the puppets in the water. Unlike many places that use pre-recorded music, the Nguyen Xa puppet troupe performs live.

The harmonious coordination between music and puppets creates a lively and emotionally rich atmosphere for each performance.

The most notable is the “Running in Five Directions” performance, featuring a group of monks, nuns, and young novices moving in a star shape on the water, showcasing sophisticated technique and expressive sculpting.

Although roles are clearly defined, many artisans simultaneously perform two or three positions, using their hands to control the puppets on stage.

To promote water puppetry, Nguyen Xa ward actively participates in performances in many provinces and cities nationwide and in several countries around the world, such as France, Germany, Italy, and China. In 2024, the ward held over 40 performances at the water puppetry pavilion for the local people and tourists.

Furthermore, water puppetry has been incorporated into local education. Nguyen Xa puppetry ward has become a learning centre where students can learn skills, practice puppet control, and perform under the direct guidance of artisans.

Meritorious Artisan Vu Ngoc Khanh, Deputy Head of the performing arts troupe, who has been in the profession for 43 years, shared that although passing on the craft is a top priority for the artisans, this task faces many challenges.

The age difference among the troupe members is significant; the oldest is over 80 years old, while the youngest is only in 9th grade. Previously, water puppetry was primarily passed down from father to son, even to women. This concept has now changed; anyone who loves the craft can learn it.

However, the work is arduous, involving frequent immersion in water and elaborate training, while the income is low, so many young people don't choose this profession.

Most of the artisans dedicated to the Nguyen Xa water puppetry troupe come from rural backgrounds. Each performance at the lake costs around seven million dong, but after deducting expenses, each artisan only receives about 200,000 VND.

Local artisan inspects the puppets.

Behind each performance are hours spent immersed in water, even on freezing winter days.

Recently, the renovation and upgrading project of the Nguyen Xa water puppet theatre, comprising 12 construction items and a total investment of over 6.6 billion VND, was inaugurated.

Expressing their joy at the improved facilities, the artisans said that performance conditions have become more favourable for serving the people and tourists.

However, the love and responsibility for preserving traditional culture urgently need a strong policy foundation.

The artisans hope to both preserve the folk water puppet art and have a specific mechanism to attract young people to participate and commit to it long-term.

With stable salaries and appropriate benefits, systematic attention and investment will become the foundation for Nguyen Xa water puppetry to continue to be passed on and spread in contemporary life.

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