Final Field Program - University of Virginia

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIET NAM
ARRIVE: WEDNESDAY 03 NOVEMBER 0800
DEPART: MONDAY 08 NOVEMBER 0600
ON-SHIP TIME: SUNDAY 07 NOVEMBER 2100
------------------------------------------------ WEDNESDAY, 03 NOVEMBER ------------------------------------------------
HCM00 DIPLOMATIC BRIEFING (On arrival, Wednesday, 03 November) Attendance is mandatory.
A representative from the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City will provide information about the current political,
social and economic situation in Viet Nam as well as on the status of relations between the United States and Viet
Nam. Safety and security considerations for traveling in Viet Nam will also be discussed.
HCM01 WATER PUPPET PERFORMANCE (1030-1300 Wednesday, 03 November) Minimum 15/
Maximum 40 (PRICE: $20)
[FDP: N. CARR]
Water puppetry is a Viet Namese performing art that dates from the 11 th century. The stage is a pool of water and
wooden puppets seemingly walk upon it. The brightly-colored animals and figures are maneuvered by puppet
masters who are hidden behind the set. These figures tell the story of joys and hardships of the Viet Namese way of
life and the farmers’ reliance on water for their harvest. Our guide will provide a brief explanation of each of the
stories depicted. Following the performance, exclusively for Semester at Sea, we will have an opportunity to meet
the puppeteer and look behind the scenes to learn how the puppets are maneuvered.
This native theatrical performance will give the students of Professor Nancy Carr's Introduction to Theatre class an
opportunity to experience the ancient Asian tradition of puppetry firsthand. Students will learn about Viet Namese
culture by observing the history of Viet Nam and its people through water puppetry. Students will document what
they have observed in their field journals, discuss their findings in class, and compare their findings to additional
theatrical performances they have experienced.
HCM02 BEN THANH MARKET AND MUSEUM OF WAR REMNANTS (1030-1430 Wednesday, 03
November) Minimum 5/Maximum 30 (PRICE: $11 + OOPEX)
[FDP: EARLS]
Spend a day exploring areas of the city on foot, taking in the local sights, sounds, and flavors. Departing the ship,
we will walk first to Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh), one of the city’s liveliest and most bustling market areas,
to observe social interaction between men and women, personal space, nonverbal behavior and gender roles. Here
we will have lunch at one of many local food stalls or at an area noodle restaurant. Next, we will walk to the
Museum of War Remnants for a sobering cross-cultural view of the Viet Nam War. There are few museums in the
world that so powerfully depict the brutality of modern warfare and its effects on both soldiers and civilians. Please
note: This trip involves quite a bit of walking; please wear comfortable clothing and shoes appropriate for the
weather conditions. OOPEX include local currency for lunch (equivalent of USD$15) and optional market
purchases.
Viet Nam Field Program – page 1