A space rich in cultural identity

At the exhibition area representing 12 cultural industries, the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre’s booth stands out as a “cultural highlight,” drawing large numbers of visitors, especially children and international tourists.

From the very first day of the fair, the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre’s exhibition booth has been bustling with visitors taking photos and exploring the displays. Families with young children and international tourists make up the majority of attendees.

Check-in spaces featuring the humorous character Chú Tễu, figures from Diary of a Cricket’s Adventure, and various types of puppets, including hand puppets, rod puppets, and string puppets, blend traditional elements with contemporary touches. New designs inspired by modern culture, such as Halloween characters and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, are creatively integrated, forming a vivid and colorful picture of Vietnamese folk puppetry within the broader landscape of cultural industries showcased at the fair.

“Each puppet carries a soul, representing the fusion of artisans’ craftsmanship and the Vietnamese spirit. Puppetry is not merely a technical performance but a unique storytelling art expressed through water, puppets, sound, and traditional rhythms,” Nguyen Tien Dung, director of the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre and a People’s Artist, shared.

The theatre’s exhibition space has become one of the most visited areas at the fair, bringing a refreshing cultural breeze among commercial booths. Here, artists regularly interact directly with visitors, allowing even adults to reconnect with childhood memories and traditional folk games.

Interactive engagement brings puppetry closer to audiences

The participation of the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre at the fair goes beyond simple performances. It provides valuable opportunities for artists to engage and interact with audiences, especially young people and children, helping them better understand and appreciate Vietnamese puppetry. This also contributes to honouring Vietnamese cultural identity in an increasingly globalized environment.

In addition to its engaging exhibition space, the theatre’s artistic programme at the First Autumn Fair 2025 is equally impressive, deeply rooted in traditional Vietnamese culture while reflecting a strong spirit of international integration.

“The piece ‘Harvest Day’ is an excerpt from the programme ‘Rhythms of the Homeland,’ directed by People’s Artist Nguyen Tien Dung. The programme won the Grand Prize at the International Puppetry Festival in Thailand in 2014, competing against 135 performances from 85 countries. This is the highest award of the festival. ‘Harvest Day’ continues to be highly appreciated and loved by audiences,” artist Le Duc Anh, deputy director of the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre, said.

Regarding on-stage interaction, Anh emphasised that engagement helps spread the values and appeal of traditional culture, including puppetry and performing arts. It enables younger audiences to gain a deeper understanding and love for Vietnamese culture, as well as for the country and its people.

With creativity, accessibility, and vibrant colors, the Vietnam Puppetry Theatre continues to affirm its position as a distinctive cultural symbol, where traditional art is preserved, elevated, and widely promoted; where tradition harmonizes with modernity and international integration through the art of puppetry.

Amid the autumn spirit of cultural exchange at the First Autumn Fair 2025, these small puppets continue to tell a great story about love, belief, and Vietnamese identity.

Traditional crafts and cultural heritage showcased at Hanoi Autumn Fair 2025

VOV.VN - Chuong conical hats, Bat Trang ceramics, Chang Son paper fans and other finely crafted handicrafts are on display at the first Autumn Fair, bringing Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage to life.