The international puppet festival is set to be a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, with 20 art troupes from across the globe coming together. Countries participating in this spectacular event include China, Japan, the UK, Germany, France, the United States, Cuba, and Vietnam, each bringing their unique artistic flair and cultural heritage to the stage.
Vietnam, as the host country, will be proudly represented by a plethora of talented local artists from renowned theaters such as the Vietnam Puppet Theater, Thang Long Water Puppet Theater, Hai Phong Puppet Art Troupe, Phuong Nam Art Theater, and Dong Nai Art Theater. These artists will undoubtedly showcase the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture through their performances.
This festival isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a platform for cultural exchange and a showcase of creative expression and artistic skill. Each participating nation will have the opportunity to present their distinct traditions and artistic talents, creating a truly global theater experience.
One of the unique aspects of this festival is the criteria for selecting performances. The organizing board has specified that only performances that have not won prizes in international festivals held in Vietnam will be considered. This ensures that the festival goers will be treated to fresh and unique acts, discovering hidden gems and celebrating new talents.
The performances will be judged by a panel of five esteemed experts, comprising both Vietnamese and foreign judges. Their critical eyes and expertise will determine the awardees of gold, silver, and bronze medals, recognizing exceptional performances. Additionally, each participating troupe will receive a certificate of merit, honoring their contribution to the festival.
Audiences can expect a diverse range of shows, from water puppets to shadow puppets and stick puppets. Both local and international troupes will captivate spectators with their unique art forms, creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper appreciation for the performing arts.
According to the organizers from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the festival aims to strengthen cultural ties and encourage collaboration between Vietnam and other nations. It promises to be an event that celebrates the universal language of art and unites people from diverse backgrounds through shared experiences and a love for puppetry.
People’s Artist Tran Bang: Artists should keep faith in traditional stage
NDO – Prof, People’s Artist Tran Bang, who has worked as a director of Cheo (Vietnamese traditional opera) for more than 50 years, granted an interview with a Nhan Dan (People) Newspaper reporter, sharing about the direction for the development traditional stage in the context that young audiences are no longer interested in because they have many choices for entertainment.