An exchange and performance show featuring Bunraku, a form of traditional Japanese puppet theatre, will be held in the capital city of Hanoi at the end of this month.

The event, titled “Traditional Puppet of Asia: BUNRAKU Meets ASEAN” is presented by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam in cooperation with the Japan National Bunraku Theater.

It is part of this year’s tour of the theater’s artists to have joint-workshops, build network and exchange skill with local traditional puppet theaters in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Hanoi.

In 2013, to celebrate 40th anniversary of ASEAN - Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Bunraku Puppet Theater was staged for the first time in South East Asia at Kuala Lumpur. It not only marked a historical first appearance in the region, but also paved a way to a new collaboration between Japan and ASEAN countries through traditional puppets.

According to organizers, the Bunraku puppet is a blend of sung narrative, instrumental accompaniment and puppet drama. Plots related in this form of puppet derived from two principal sources: historical plays set in feudal times (Jidaimono) and contemporary dramas exploring the conflict between affairs of heart and social obligation (Sewamono).

The exchange session and performances of “Traditional Puppet of Asia: BUNRAKU Meets ASEAN” will take place from 10am on August 30 at the Vietnam Puppet Theater at 361 Truong Chinh Street in Thanh Xuan District.

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