Culture - Sports

Shadow of the Puppets takes the stage in Hanoi

The Vietnam National Theatre Drama will perform the play Shadow of the Puppets on March 17.
Shadow of the Puppets takes the stage in Hanoi ảnh 1Shadow of the Puppets script was nominated for the 2023 Patrick White Award for scripts, organised annually by Sydney Theatre. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNS/VNA) – The Vietnam National Theatre Drama will performthe play Shadow of the Puppets on March 17.

The play was penned by author and art critic Vu Hoang Hoa who currently livesin Sydney. It was officially nominated for the 2023 Patrick White Award forscripts organised annually by Sydney Theatre.

Shadow of the Puppets is a profound meditation on family pain, same-sex loveand the struggle to live as one's true self. In each person, there are alwayshidden corners, deep secrets that they always keep hidden. The tragic story ofan unhappy family opens up human problems throughout society.

The performance uses puppets and puppetry, including the beautiful art of'shadow puppetry'. Puppets and people have blended together on stage, being thecharacter's body and soul, the light and dark sides, the pain and joy beingreleased.

The performance is full of novelty in its expression. From the content to thestaging, they play has a contemporary breath, breaking all traditional theatrerules. For nearly 120 minutes, the performance leads viewers through life'sstages, back to the past, to illuminate the present through beautiful visualdisplays and physical dances that are sometimes lyrical and profound, sometimesturbulent and explosive.

The play’s director Ta Tuan Minh won Director Award at the 2020 TheatreFestival. The play’s producers include choreographer Nguyen Duy Thanh, puppetdirector Le Chi Kien and puppet designer Nguyen Xuan Long./.
VNA
#Shadow of the Puppets #Vietnam National Theatre Drama #Patrick White Award #shadow puppetry #updated Vietnam news #Vietnamplus #Vietnam News Agency
Follow VietnamPlus

Related News

Water puppetry performance impressive in Russia

Water puppetry performance impressive in Russia

A troupe from the Thang Long Puppet Theater performed folk music and traditional water puppet shows in Moscow and Voronezh from June 2-18 at the invitation of the organisation committee of the 16th Chekhov International Theater Festival.
Puppetry - A thousand-year folk art

Puppetry - A thousand-year folk art

The art of puppetry in Vietnam has existed for about 1,000 years, developing most strongly in the 11th-12th centuries. Vietnamese puppetry includes both ground puppetry and water puppetry.

See more

At the award ceremony of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2025. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2026: Bridging Asia and the world

The festival is expected to bring together around 900 artists, producers and film professionals from Vietnam and abroad, including more than 200 international guests. This marks the largest edition since DANAFF was first launched in 2023, highlighting its growing appeal within the film industry.

Performance showcasing excerpts from the Pon Poong festival of the Muong ethnic community in Thanh Hoa province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s culture development in digital era

Under the Politburo's Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, issued on January 7, 2026, culture is defined as the spiritual foundation of society, an important endogenous resource, a driver of socio-economic development and a source of national soft power. In the new era, cultural values are expected to permeate all aspects of life, serving as a foundation, resource, catalyst and regulatory force for the country’s rapid and sustainable development.

Students experience virtual reality games. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese team crowned FFWS SEA esports champion

The triumph marked a breakthrough moment for Vietnamese Free Fire esports, with SECRET WAG becoming the first Vietnamese squad to lift an FFWS SEA trophy on home soil. The result underscored the rising stature and growing competitiveness of Vietnam’s esports scene in Southeast Asia.

Beyond the bustling streets of Hoi An, the waterways of Cam Thanh Nipa Palm Village offer a slower rhythm of life, where basket boats glide beneath dense green palms and the sounds of river culture still echo through the breeze. (Photo: VNA)

Cam Thanh Coconut village adds fresh charm to Da Nang

Located about 3km southeast of Hoi An and 31km from central Da Nang, the village stretches along the banks of the Hoai, Thu Bon and De Vong rivers. Combined with the area’s tropical climate, the waterways nurture a thriving nipa palm ecosystem rich in biodiversity and scenic beauty. ​

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, offers incense before the statue of the Buddha at birth during the Vesak celebration on May 31. (Photo: VNA)

Buddha's birthday celebration held in Ho Chi Minh City

Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Tran Van Bay extended greetings to the local Buddhist community and acknowledged the important contributions made by the city chapter of the VBS and followers to local socio-economic development.

The Vesak 2026 celebration in Hue city draws a large number of Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, followers, local residents and visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism’s enduring commitment to nation in new era

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.

Phan Hien and Thu Huong, the most decorated dancesport pair in Vietnam, will compete in the DanceSport Festival 2026. (Photos courtesy of Khanh Thi)

Vietnam steps into global dancesport spotlight

Among the highlights are the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) Asian Championship and the WDSF World Ranking Events, which will gather about 4,000 athletes from 37 countries and regions in the largest dancesport competition ever staged in Vietnam.

Students are taught how to perform "khen". (Illustrative photo: VNA)

Soul of Mong people’s panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

In recent years, many localities across the Dong Van Karst Plateau have strengthened efforts to integrate traditional culture preservation into schools. "Khen" performances, linen weaving, folk songs and traditional games are gradually becoming more familiar once again to younger generations.

Athletes participating in a trail running competition in Vietnam (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam to host first-ever UTMB World Series race in Da Lat

The Vietnam Highlands Trail 2027 will feature five distances: 5km, 10km, 20km, 50km and 100km. The routes will take runners through various terrains typical of the Central Highlands, including four well-known mountain peaks – LangBiang, Bidoup, Pinhatt and Nui Voi.

Illustrative photo (Photo: VNA)

Nationwide film week to celebrate International Children’s Day

Films for children and the public will be screened nationwide through mobile cinema teams and the FPT Play online entertainment platform. Direct screenings will also be held in the central province of Quang Ngai, which will host the opening ceremony of the film week.

The Hue Vegetarian Food Festival 2026 attracts crowds. (Photo: VNA)

Hue Vegetarian Food Festival 2026 opens, promoting green living, cultural values

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Tran Huu Thuy Giang said the vegetarian food festival is being held for the third time with an increasingly expanded scale, bringing together hotels, restaurants, and pagodas to strengthen community connections through the spirit of compassion and sharing, and enrich the city’s cultural and tourism activities.