As we get more in depth into different performances for different cultures, I always find a new type of performance that takes the number one spot away from the Indonesian performances. After watching the water puppet show in class, my mind was definitely blown by how fascinating the show actually is - there is just so much meaning and symbolism behind the puppets. Never would it have came to mind that a show involving puppets could take place on water and even if it did, never would i have thought about the history behind it. From my understanding, the Vietnamese created water puppetry to satisfy the spirits that controlled all aspects of their lives but they also used it as a form of entertainment. The puppets are made out of wood and are attached to a long bamboo pole so the puppeteers could control them.
I actually would not mind going to see a water puppet show some day before I die. Although the show seems quite long, I believe there are 17 chapters or something like that, I would most likely be fully engaged in the storyline (plus, I'm sure there are some humorous parts). I can see why children like the show, especially because of the fire and the spraying of the water - It's almost like going to Disney World to watch fireworks or their rendition of Fantasia. I find it funny how puppeteers sell the old, moldy puppets as souvenirs after they are done using them for a while to show how "authentic" they puppets are. But i guess if you are really into collecting stuff like that, there's no shame in buying a moldy puppet :)
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