Recently, the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre debuted a special program: Cảm xúc Long Thành (The Dragon Citadel). Far exceeding the boundaries of a conventional theatrical performance, this multi-sensory journey awakens the history of Thăng Long - Hà Nội through the art of puppetry, promising to become a unique heritage destination on the capital’s tourism map.

“Cảm xúc Long Thành”: Awakening the memories of thousand-year-old Thăng Long

Under the artistic direction of People’s Artist Nguyễn Tiến Dũng - Director of the Vietnam National Puppetry Theatre - Cảm xúc Long Thành unfolds like a poetic ink-wash painting, transporting visitors back in time to an elegant, refined, yet vibrant Thăng Long - Hà Nội featuring its historic 36 guild streets.

“The cultural depth of Thăng Long, where the sacred soul of the mountains and rivers has gathered for a thousand years, served as a powerful inspiration for us to create a dialogue about beauty between tradition and modernity. Cảm xúc Long Thành is not merely a show; it is a journey back to our roots” - People’s Artist Nguyễn Tiến Dũng said.

From mythical realms to the bustling pulse of urban life

The performance has a multi-layered structure:

The origin of Thăng Long’s heroic spirit: Opening the show, audience members feel transported into a realm between reality and dreams through the majestic appearance of the Dragon and Phoenix against dazzling lighting. The presence of these two sacred creatures creates a visually stunning opening while affirming the heritage of Con Rồng cháu Tiên (Children of the Dragon, Grandchildren of the Fairy), exemplifying the resilience and upward ambition of an indomitable nation.

Memories of the 36 guild streets: The heart-warming highlight of the show is the vivid recreation of ancient daily life. Under subtle lighting, iconic streets such as Hàng Đường, Hàng Gai, Hàng Thiếc, Hàng Điếu, Hàng Chiếu, and Hàng Bông emerge full of nostalgia. The soul of the Old Quarter comes alive with the melodic chants of street vendors, vibrant flower shoulder poles, slender shoulders bearing mats fresh with the scent of sunlight, freshly delivered newspapers, and the energetic footsteps of shoeshine boys.

Snapshots of Tràng An heritage

A groundbreaking innovation of the program is adapting the famous oil painting Thiếu nữ bên hoa huệ (Young woman with lilies) by artist Tô Ngọc Vân onto the Thủy Đình (water pavilion) stage. The pure, graceful beauty of early 20th-century Hà Nội women is transformed into a deeply moving tableau on water. Accompanied by images of noble ladies in antique rickshaws and graceful áo dài strolling past, the performance fully encapsulates the legendary, refined demeanor expressed in the proverb “chẳng thơm cũng thể hoa nhài” (even if not strongly scented, it is still jasmine).

Through symbolic puppetry, spectators no longer feel like outside observers, but rather as though they are truly “living within” the space of the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel (Hoàng thành Thăng Long). They witness the grand ceremonial procession of newly graduated scholars returning home in honor (vinh quy bái tổ) before Khuê Văn Các, and appreciate the unique architectural beauty of Chùa Một Cột (One Pillar Pagoda).

Devotion through silent action

Behind the mesmerizing, transcendent moments on stage lies a story of quiet effort and dedication by the puppeteers. To maneuver wooden puppets with fluid, natural grace on the water, artists submerge themselves for hours in cold water, pouring endless sweat behind the velvet curtain.

Beside the artists’ perseverance, the innovative mindset of General Director - People's Artist Nguyễn Tiến Dũng plays a pivotal role in elevating Vietnamese puppetry. People's Artist Nguyễn Tiến Dũng has breathed fresh life into the productions. The troupe dares to experiment, incorporating contemporary lighting technology, experimental music, and a blend of diverse theatrical forms into the traditional performance space.

This evolution does not erode cultural identity; on the contrary, it honors the essence of water puppetry, making it captivating and deeply moving for modern audiences. Puppetry is no longer restricted to standalone ancient skits, but has evolved into cohesive, structured masterpieces rich in philosophy and high aesthetic value.

The fusion of multi-tiered light technology, real-scene staging techniques, and bold musical experimentation (re-arranging traditional Ca trù and Xẩm singing over electronic beats and Rap) renders heritage accessible and deeply evocative for today's viewers.

Heritage experience: A must - visit destination in Hanoi

 The exquisite blend of traditional water puppetry, creative land puppetry, and folk melodies reimagined with a modern rhythm transforms “Cảm xúc Long Thành” into a magical bridge to thousand-year-old cultural memories,  reawakened and deeply moving audience members, sparking pride and a love for heritage among younger generations.

Tong Thi Hao Tam

Vietnam Destination Review - Special Issue No. 2 (July 2026)