The Regulation on performing activities defines "Performing art is an activity that brings programs, items and plays to the public through the performance by artists, interpreting the image of the art and reflecting life through the art work to educate ideology, emotional sentiment, ethics and lifestyle and improve people’s cultural and educational standards and aesthetics, meeting the needs for cultural enjoyment of the people, thus contributing to building and developing Vietnam’s advanced culture, imbued with national identity".

This shows that artists hold a very important position. They always have face-to-face contacts with the audience. Yet, in water puppetry, the artists – puppeteers are always behind the screen, silently and modestly hide their faces and do not introduce their names, have neither make-ups nor beautiful costumes, but only their skillful hands that make marvelous things. Many international visitors who watch water puppet shows have uttered: “It’s very surprising and interesting. The puppeteers are those who really have golden hands”.

Spectacular plays on the water surface such as Fighting fox chasing ducks, Swimming, Boat racing, Buffalo fighting, Village festivals, peaceful rural scenes appear and disappear, very mysterious and dreamy but real. In such an atmosphere, the audience forgets who they are and who manipulate the puppets, enjoy the show until the end then wake up and realize they want to see with their own eye the puppeteers who are so skillful.

Behind the sparkling and illusive scenes like in dreams...

Are puppeteers always hiding themselves behind the screens,

Silently and modestly...

The artists really have deft and golden hands, very talented, marvelous and different to others.  That is why lifeless puppets become lively, showing love and anger, benevolence and rightness. Coming to the art of puppetry, one is always surprised and admires the talent of the puppeteers.

After the show ends, puppeteers present themselves...

Standing waist-deep in water to sing and manipulate puppets

Maneuvering all movements skillfully and harmoniously

It is they, talented artists who have incarnated and changed the look of the puppets such as good-natured and simple-hearted Teu, taking them out of stagnant ponds to friends in all continents. Wherever they go, they are welcome and appreciated.

The Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre –paradise for children, has won trust and love from the audience at home and abroad. It has rallied artists with golden hands who are modest and always hide themselves behind the screen, yet offer great wonders.