In the heart of Phu Quoc’s enchanting Sunset Town, a mesmerizing spectacle has captivated the attention of visitors from around the globe. “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival,” a vibrant showcase of traditional puppetry artistry, has drawn hundreds of eager spectators, including many international tourists, to the shores of Sunset Town.
Nestled amidst the stunning beaches of Phu Quoc, the “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival” has emerged as a captivating cultural phenomenon set against the breathtaking backdrop of Vietnam’s natural beauty. Contrary to conventional expectations, this enchanting performance not only celebrates the esteemed legacy of Vietnamese puppetry but also injects a revitalizing essence into the European-inspired atmosphere of Sunset Town.
As audiences gather on the sandy shores of Phu Quoc, they are transported into a realm of artistic splendor, where traditional puppetry takes center stage in a spectacle unlike any other. Against the backdrop of swaying palm trees and the gentle lull of the waves, the “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival” unfolds, offering a sensory journey through Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
What sets this performance apart is its ability to seamlessly blend tradition with innovation, creating a truly immersive experience for spectators. While honoring the age-old art of Vietnamese puppetry, the show also introduces contemporary elements that resonate with the cosmopolitan ambiance of Sunset Town. This fusion of the old and the new adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the performance, captivating audiences of all backgrounds.
Moreover, the juxtaposition of Vietnamese puppetry against the backdrop of Sunset Town’s European-inspired setting creates a striking contrast that enhances the overall appeal of the show. Against the backdrop of charming architecture and manicured landscapes, the traditional art form of puppetry comes to life in a captivating display of cultural exchange.
For spectators, the “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival” offers more than just entertainment; it provides a window into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture. Through intricately crafted puppets and mesmerizing performances, audiences gain insight into the traditions, beliefs, and folklore that have shaped Vietnam’s identity over the centuries.
In essence, the “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival” serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Vietnamese culture while also serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity. As spectators marvel at the intricate puppetry and vibrant performances, they are reminded of the timeless beauty of Vietnam’s cultural heritage, juxtaposed against the modern allure of Sunset Town.
Designed to evoke the essence of Vietnamese life, beliefs, and traditions, “Vietnamese Puppetry – Spring Festival” offers a captivating journey through the cultural tapestry of Vietnam. With eight meticulously crafted acts, audiences are transported into the timeless realm of Vietnamese folklore, where tales of village festivals, mythical creatures, traditional farming, and ancestral worship come to life through the medium of puppetry and traditional music.
This captivating spectacle seamlessly integrates various forms of traditional Vietnamese performing arts, including water puppetry, puppet theater, and traditional singing and dancing. The accompanying musical performances introduce visitors to other traditional Vietnamese stage arts such as Cheo opera and Chau van singing.
The fusion of music and traditional artistic performances creates a multi-sensory experience, captivating audiences with emotional depth and cultural richness. Notably, the performance titled “A Day in the Countryside,” featuring the appearance of a water buffalo and farmers, elicited thunderous applause from the audience.
Another highlight, “Graceful Bamboo Hat,” dazzles audiences with its mesmerizing choreography, as performers gracefully maneuver atop giant bamboo hats, resembling floating clouds.
The final act, “Greetings from Vietnam,” features a modern reinterpretation of traditional Vietnamese music, combining four traditional instruments – flute, two-stringed fiddle, monochord, and zither – with performances in Ao Dai traditional attire and conical hats, serving as a warm farewell from the Vietnamese people to international guests.
Cat, a tourist from the United States, exclaimed, “The show is incredibly fascinating. I’ve heard a lot about Vietnamese puppetry, especially water puppetry, but never had the chance to see it until today. I feel fortunate that my family came to Phu Quoc and had the opportunity to learn more about puppetry and Vietnamese culture.”
Jing Xiang from Taiwan (China) couldn’t contain his excitement after the performance. “It’s a beautiful and elaborate performance, from the water stage to the costumes and the puppets. I truly admire the skillful artists who manipulate them so skillfully and soulfully.”
On the first evening of the performance, the water stage hosted two shows at 6:00 PM and 9:45 PM, attracting an unexpectedly large audience.
After each performance, visitors have the opportunity to interact with artists, experience water puppetry firsthand, and participate in a puppet parade around the beach and the bustling Phet Night Market.
“Vietnamese Puppetry” is one of the entertainment programs invested by Sun Group in the 4 trillion VND entertainment complex in Sunset Town, with the aim of preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Vietnam to both Vietnamese and international tourists.
To create an attractive, innovative program that fully preserves traditional cultural elements, the conglomerate collaborated with the Vietnam Puppetry Theater – the largest puppetry center in the country with a 70-year history in traditional performing arts. The Spring Festival puppet show in Phu Quoc holds special significance for the theater, as it marks the first water puppetry stage on a beach in Vietnam.
NSND Tien Dung, Director of the Vietnam Puppetry Theater, shared his excitement, stating, “I and the artists at the theater are truly excited to perform in Sunset Town, where various art forms converge and attract a large number of international tourists to introduce Vietnam’s long-standing and unique performing arts – Puppetry. Through this, tourists of all nationalities and ages will learn more about Vietnam and its people. Especially, we, the Vietnamese, will see our ancestors there, understand more about the traditional cultural artistic values, and be proud to share them with international friends.”
During the Lunar New Year, Phu Quoc emerged as one of the top 10 favorite destinations, with a 43.8% increase in visitors compared to the same period, including a six-fold increase in international visitors.
With its exceptional tourism products, continuous investment in iconic structures, and the introduction of captivating entertainment programs, Sunset Town is becoming one of Phu Quoc’s most popular tourist destinations during the Lunar New Year. Estimated to attract tens of thousands of visitors to experience new products such as “The Kiss of the Sea,” “Sunset Pier,” and the bustling Phet Night Market. Along with the debut of “Vietnamese Puppetry” and a series of upcoming shows such as Jetski and Tinh Tươm show, Sunset Town is gradually establishing itself as a tourism hub of Phu Quoc and Vietnam.