Uncle Tễu is an introductory character but also the most important among the water puppets. We might call him the soul of the water puppets and the source of sympathy between the performers and the audience. Tễu is the character properly beloved in both the imperial palace and the village.
In reality, Tễu is larger than the other puppets, although a main character, he is a youngster of seven or eight judging from the way his hair is cut in tufts. He is stout, fat, with a rosy complexion and a closely shaved head or a scarf. His body is unclothed, his chest and belly flabby, his face always cheerful and his eyes sneaking looks to one side, then the other. Tễu wears a buttonless loin cloth exposing his belly and chest. His hands swing, showing his elbows, and his head turns from one side to the others as he watches the audience. His appearance is one of taunting and teasing.
Chú Tễu (there are those who call him Tễu because of the Chinese-Vietnamese character Tễu meaning “laughter”) is a reckless, jesting character who mocks and jokes. Chú Tễu is the person who introduces the beginning of the performance as the commentator, critic, lover of tales, and opposition to corrupt officials when he follows his duty in the role of clown mocking western theater. In some guilds, Tễu raises the flag or lights the firecrackers. Others see Tễu as a kind of village crier, who offers his services to the elderly; slaughters pigs, water buffalo and oxen; and whose wife is beautiful and enticing.
All guilds have Tễu enter first to recite one or two introductory speeches. As in Greek theater, there’s discussion between the audience and performer that begins in this way:
“So?” Tễu says. “Rush in. Have you a choice?”
Tễu’s introductory speeches differ among the guilds.
Source: hanoinay.com
