TEHRAN – A troupe from Vietnam is planning to stage performances of a water-puppet show, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the country, during a tour of Iran, the Persian service of IRNA reported on Thursday.

“Water-puppet has its roots in farmers’ lives and represents the ancient civilization of the country,” Dang Huu Phuoc, the second secretary of the Embassy of Vietnam, said in a press conference.

The puppet show that dates back to the 11th century is a traditional entertainment, which Vietnamese farmers put on after their rice harvest, he added.   

The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. Large bamboo poles support the puppets from under the water and is used to control them by the puppeteers who themselves are normally hidden behind a screen. 

As a result, the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

Dang said that the shows are essentially based on movement and music, so spectators do not need a translator.

The troupe will give three performances in Tehran on July 18, 20 and 30. The central Iranian city of Isfahan will host the group on July 21.

They will move to southern Iran to stage another performance in Shiraz. Performances have also been arranged in Kerman, Yazd and Kashan for July 25, 26 and 28 respectively.   

Photo: A scene from a water-puppet show in Vietnam

MMS/YAW