The program, performed on 23/5 in Hanoi, began with "the ugly duckling." This tale follows a duckling that hatched late and looked different, leading to its rejection by the flock. After repeated ostracization, the duckling gathered courage as spring arrived, approaching a group of swans. It gradually realized this was where it belonged, eventually transforming into a graceful, splendid bird.

The production conveys messages of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of respecting differences. Due to the unique nature of water puppetry, artists maximized techniques involving submerged poles and strings to create synchronized diving and swimming movements, perfectly matching the musical score.

The second part of the program recreated "the little mermaid." However, unlike Andersen's original where the mermaid trades her voice for legs, endures pain, and ultimately turns into sea foam after failing to win the prince's love, this production opted for a brighter conclusion. In this version, the octopus witch is banished to the ocean depths, the mermaid is granted permission by the Sea King to live on land, and she enjoys a happy wedding with the prince. Sound and lighting systems were flexibly adjusted for each segment, from the gentle ambiance of the seabed and the climax when the prince faced peril, to the wedding scene at the curtain's close.

Images from "the little mermaid" performance. *Photo: Khanh Linh*

The opening night attracted a large, multi-generational audience, filling the theater early. Spectators intently followed and cheered for the artists through each scene. After the program concluded, many families lingered to interact and take souvenir photos with the performers. Le Duy Phuong, 52, from Hanoi, stated that his children were thrilled to watch water puppetry for the first time, seeing stories from their books brought to life on the water stage.

Truong Ngoc Anh, 22, expressed her happiness at revisiting stories connected to her childhood memories. The young audience member commented that even with a familiar plot, this form of presentation offered a fresh experience. The lively water stage effects and the agile, skillful manipulation by artists behind the bamboo screen were notable, especially the grand finale where all characters appeared together in beautiful lighting.

Many parents brought their young children to enjoy the program on the evening of 23/5. *Photo: Khanh Linh*

The production's script was written by the late director and artist Ngo Quynh Giao, with editing and staging by People's Artist Nguyen Tien Dung. Le Duc Anh, deputy director of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theater, stated that the project represents an effort to disseminate foreign literature, integrate it with folk culture, diversify performance content, and meet the demands of contemporary audiences.

The program consists of three performances, aimed at young audiences for International Children's Day. Following the 23/5 show, "Andersen's Fairy Tales" will be performed again at 10 AM on 30/5 and 8 PM on 31/5 at Theater 1 – Vietnam National Puppetry Theater (361 Truong Chinh, Khuong Dinh, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi).

Khanh Linh