PUPPET MASTERS - Phương Nam Theatre, one of HCM City’s leading private art troupes, offers a water puppet show titled Trước Ngọn Sóng (Facing the Waves) to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30. Photo courtesy of the producer.

HCM CITY — HCM City-based private Phương Nam Theatre is working on a water puppet show to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification on April 30.

Trước Ngọn Sóng (Facing the Waves), a new production by director Trần Được, also celebrates the 80th anniversary of Việt Nam People’s Army on December 22.

The play portrays soldiers stationed on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands who have dedicated themselves to protecting the nation's sovereignty, demonstrating incredible bravery in the face of hardship.

The lives of people living on the islands are also featured.

PROTECTING VIỆT NAM - The water puppet show Trước Ngọn Sóng (Facing the Waves), staged by private Phương Nam Theatre, portrays soldiers stationed on the Trường Sa (Spratly) Islands. It helps children and young people learn about the country’s history and culture. Photo courtesy of the producer.

“Our show will entertain and help children and young people learn about the country’s history and culture,” said the play’s director Được, who is also a puppet artist.

According to Được, after Trước Ngọn Sóng is performed, brief talks about Vietnamese water puppetry and its history are provided to help young audiences gain a greater understanding of national culture.

Được and his artists have faced challenges and made sacrifices to develop their art. They provide fans with new concepts and techniques in puppetry.

In Việt Nam, water puppetry has been performed on a stage with a pool of water for a thousand years.

Colourful puppets are made of wood and controlled from the chamber next to the stage by strings and underwater nets.

Trước Ngọn Sóng will be performed at the International Puppet Festival in Hà Nội in October.

It will be staged every weekend at the Hồ Chí Minh City Museum of History, 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street in District 1, in April and May. Tickets are available at the theatre’s box office.— VNS