The 480-seat theater was filled to capacity for each of Viet Nam’s 10 indoor shows during the festival from September 15th to September 24th.
A few of their performances were even broadcast on two French television programs.
The Charleville-Mezieres World Festival of Puppetry, one of the largest of its kind, attracted 250 troupes from five continents and over 130,000 visitors to the French town.
The festival’s director, Andre Zoumaz, highly valued Viet Nam’s shows. Viet Nam’s performances enthralled audiences while impressing the organization’s board with its uniqueness and elaborate preparation.
”The Viet Nam National Puppetry Theater’s 18-strong delegation presented 16 puppetry plays by using installation art in a very animated way during the World Puppetry Festival,” explained the theater’s director Vuong Duy Bien.
Some of their puppeteering was specifically created for young, disabled audiences.
The festival, with 600 shows in 10 days, was held on the 400-year anniversary of Charleville-Mezieres, France, where the World Association of Puppet UNIMA is located.
Shows took place indoors and out while street theatre, workshops, symposia, and exhibitions were taking place in the surrounding areas.
From participating, Viet Nam has gained valuable experience for the national festival at the end of 2007.
