HA NOI (VNS) — Vietnamese puppeteers leave for France today to debut their water puppet performances of the Andersen tales in Europe.

Nine artists from the Viet Nam Puppetry Theatre will perform 10 shows from December 26-30 at Quai Branly Museum in Paris.

According to the theatre's vice director, Nguyen Tien Dung, each 70-minute show consists of The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on the popular stories by Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805-75).

"It's our great honour to perform at the Quai Branly Museum. It will ensure us an opportunity to perform in other places in France, as well as in Europe," Dung said.

Images from water puppet performances of Andersen tales, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid and The Steadfast Tin Soldier. — VNS Photos courtesy of Viet Nam Puppetry Theatre

"Due to the conditions, we have to make due with half the number of performers, which means nine of us are in charge of the whole load, normally designed for 18," said the head of the art troupe, who is also a key puppeteer who will perform two main, and supporting roles, during the shows in France.

"Thus, we need to co-ordinate harmoniously to control puppets during the shows."

Directed by Ngo Quynh Dao, who also created the 100 puppets used in the shows, the performances are also receiving support from Jean Luc Larguier from France's Interarts Lausanne. – VNS