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Puppetry is common throughout the world, but puppetry theatre of
Vietnam on water is unique. The art of water puppetry appeared in
the Ly dynasty (1010-1225). Vestiges of evidence have been found
in several places such as the pavilion on water by the Long Tri
lake in the Thay Pagoda, Ha Tay province.
 Water
puppetry was developed in lake and pond-rich areas in the Red River
Delta. The surface of water serves as the stage while spectators
sit at the edge of water. The puppeteers both male and female stand
waist-deep in the water to manipulate the puppets making them move
about and even dance on the surface of the water. The water serves
not only to hide the puppeteers and strings of the puppets but also
to create a trembling stage full of reflection, while providing
natural amplification for singing puppeteers accompanied by percussion
music and fire crackers.
 In
the old days, puppeteers grouped together into guilds. Nowadays,
they are brought together in the National Water Puppetry Theatre
and various provincial and even private troupes.
Every puppet is a piece of real folk sculpture. It is made of
wood, painted with water-proof lacquer. The prominent character
is buffoon Teu with a plump body and a humorous smile. When the
curtain is raised, the merry, arch Teu enters onto the stage and
introduces the play.
A considerable repertoire of traditional water puppet plays still
get a big hand from the audience. They include the Teu Dance,
Buffalo Fighting, Duck Tender Chasing Fox and Chess Playing.
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