Chú Tễu - is a character in the world of water puppetry who guides the audience through the narrative and plot points of a water play.

In this video, Chú Tễu goes for a swim and performs an unspoken soliloquy to a landscape that he has developed a deep longing for; but can never belong to. The water here is something he recognises, yet it tastes different, his customary practices become unfamiliar here. The water feels and sounds of a different place. Chú Tễu is no longer a guide. He is a temporary visitor, an uninvited guest.

This Vietnamese water puppet was purchased at Leonard Joel Auctions in Melbourne Australia, 2021. The Chú Tễu character will go on a multi-series water journey seeking comfort and solitude in a state of longing and unbelonging.

Performers: Nguyen Cong Chinh (Puppeteer, Filming), James Nguyen (Percussion, Filming, Editing)