Not sure what to expect, we ventured along to a performance of The Thang Long water puppetry troupe in Hanoi, by the shore of Hoan Kiem Lake. We had originally tried to go on the previous night, but as it had been booked out, bought tickets for the next evening. Our seats were right in the middle, 3rd row! So needless so say we were pretty happy!
Musicians occupied our left of stage, playing an interesting array of stringed and percussion instruments. Firecrackers, festival flags and golden dragons quickly diverted my attention back to 'main stage' where the puppetry would take place.
The performance captures aspects of vietnamese culture so well - from the peasant playing the flute whislt ploughing his field on the water buffalo, ducks swooning around, fisherman catching a huge fish in a net and mistakenly another fisherman too(!), peasants sowing rice, and the procession in a village welcoming an educated son home.
Although only lasting an hour, it was such a brilliant display of artistry and skill... The big kid in me wants to go again!
