mua roi nuoc

Vietnamese puppetry

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Múa rối nước, or Vietnamese water puppetry, is a unique form of traditional theater where performances are staged on a pool or pond. The water serves to animate the puppets and conceal the manipulating apparatuses, which are operated by puppeteers hidden behind a screen while standing in the water. A separate group of musicians and singers provides the voices for the puppets, closely following their movements in the style of hát chèo theater. This art form experienced a resurgence in popularity towards the end of the 20th century, with an increase in national competitions and internationally touring troupes.1

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Vietnam
Theater
…indigenous origin, circus performances, and mua roi nuoc, a distinct form of Vietnamese puppetry, in which performances take place on a pool or pond. The water animates the puppets and covers the manipulating apparatuses, which are operated by puppeteers, who stand in the water, hidden behind a screen. A separate…
Read More
…indigenous origin, circus performances, and mua roi nuoc, a distinct form of Vietnamese puppetry, in which performances take place on a pool or pond. The water animates the puppets and covers the manipulating apparatuses, which are operated by puppeteers, who stand in the water, hidden behind a screen. A separate…
Read More