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According to Nguyen Hong Son, the author of the photo series – a culture enthusiast currently living in Hanoi – this art form not only embodies national identity but also contains profound spiritual values, connecting viewers to a mysterious spiritual world.
Puppet shows dedicated to the deities are not just performances, but also religious rituals, where art blends with the spirituality and beliefs of the people.
A performance full of finesse and skill.
Mr. Son's first impression upon witnessing the puppet show was the skill and finesse in how the artisans manipulated the puppets. He shared: "Each puppet seems to possess its own soul, vibrant and deeply rooted in ancient folk traditions." Despite being made of heavy wood, the puppets moved gracefully and flexibly, as if they could come to life whenever manipulated by the skillful hands of the artisans.
The moment the puppeteer skillfully manipulates the puppets, giving them a soul of their own, bringing them to life amidst the sacred music and drumming.
What makes the Chầu Thánh puppet show special is not only its skillful technique but also its sacredness. In the solemn space of Keo Pagoda, where each statue of a saint and the spirit of a hero is honored, the puppet show becomes a ritual, a reverence for the deities. Anh Sơn commented: "The Chầu Thánh puppet show evokes a sense of solemnity and profoundness, as if one is participating in a religious ceremony."
Historical and spiritual stories told through each puppet.
Puppet shows dedicated to the Saint (also known as Oi Loi puppet shows) are an art form originating from Nam Dinh province, closely associated with the worship of the Venerable Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh. This is a unique art form where the puppets are not simply objects for performance, but rather "sacred figures," each head carrying a historical story and a spiritual symbol of the nation. "Each puppet head has its own story, connected to the history and spirituality of the nation, the very soul of Vietnamese culture," explains Mr. Son.
A close-up view of a wooden "sacred statue" with exquisite carvings, showcasing the spirit and distinctive style of traditional puppet art.
When the performers perform, they don't simply manipulate the puppets but also perform respectful rituals, such as lighting incense, dressing the statues, and praying for peace and happiness. This is what sets the Chầu Thánh puppet show apart from other forms of folk art.
Youth and puppets paying homage to the Saint
Although the traditional value of puppetry dedicated to the deities has been preserved through generations, according to Mr. Nguyen Hong Son, attracting young people today is a significant challenge. He believes that specific measures are needed to preserve and promote this art form, such as strengthening education and dissemination in schools, using technology for promotion, and organizing hands-on activities to give young people the opportunity to participate.
"Integrating traditional puppet shows into extracurricular activities, or combining them with modern art forms, will make this art form more accessible to young people," Sơn shared. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the community and cultural agencies in protecting and developing traditional art.
People intently watch the puppet show in honor of the Saint.
Puppet shows dedicated to the deities - a living museum of Vietnamese culture.
Puppet shows dedicated to the deities are not just a performing art, but also an indispensable part of the cultural and religious life of the local people. Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung, a 70-year-old artisan and the head of the Dai Bi Pagoda Puppet Association, shared that this is an art form with profound value, not only in preserving culture but also in connecting people with history and spirituality.
Since being recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chầu Thánh puppet show has continued to develop and spread, becoming a source of pride not only for the local people but also for the entire community that loves Vietnamese folk culture.
The artisans perform puppet shows in honor of the deities in the sacred space of Keo Pagoda.
With its perfect blend of art and spirituality, the puppet show at Keo Pagoda is a vivid testament to the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture. Those who have once participated in the festival at Keo Pagoda will surely never forget the feeling of being immersed in that sacred space, where every movement of the puppets contains a story full of hidden meanings about the country and people of Vietnam.
