Papermoon Puppet Theatre was founded in 2006 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, by Maria Tri Sulistyani (Ria) and Iwan Effendi. The company also includes core members Anton Fajri, Pambo Priyojati, Beni Sanjaya, and Hardiansyah Yoga. Rooted in the belief that anything can come alive, Papermoon works through performances, installations, workshops, and international festivals including PESTA BONEKA to animate objects, stories, and human connections through puppetry. For nearly twenty years, the company has shared its work globally while remaining deeply grounded in Yogyakarta’s vibrant arts community. As Papermoon approaches its 20th anniversary, the company embraces “Holding Hands” as the spirit of its year-long work and the theme of PESTA BONEKA’s 10th edition. In a time marked by distance and division, holding hands becomes both a metaphor and an action an invitation to listen, collaborate, and move together. Through puppetry as a shared visual and emotional language, Papermoon positions the festival not only as a presenting platform, but as a space for artistic exchange, transformation, and lasting relationships between artists, audiences, and communities across borders.

As part of Pesta Boneka #10, we proudly present Pesta Boneka on Wheels, Papermoon Puppet Theatre extends it's festival spirit beyond Yogyakarta by building meaningful
collaborations with local creative spaces and puppetry communities across Indonesia. In Bali, we are proud to partner with Titik Dua Ubud in Peliatan Village a boutique hotel showcasing contemporary Indonesian design, art, and culture. With its thoughtfully designed multi-purpose venues and open-air amphitheatre, Titik Dua provides an intimate yet dynamic platform for performances, workshops, and artistic encounters. This collaboration also joins hands with our beloved friends puppeteer artists in Bali, creating a shared organizing platform that strengthens local networks and expands public access to puppetry. Together, we aim not only to present performances, but to nurture exchange, visibility, and sustainable growth for puppetry in the region.
Embodying the theme of Holding Hands, this partnership connects artists, spaces, and communities—bridging Yogyakarta and Bali through collective care, shared imagination, and long-term creative relationships.

ARTIST COLLABORATOR:

Kacak Kicak Puppet Theatre (Bali, Indonesia)

Founded in Bali in 2018, Kacak Kicak Puppet Theatre is an innovative object theatre company creating performances for children and families. Drawing from everyday stories, myths, and folklore, they craft artistic puppets from reclaimed beach wood, emphasizing environmental awareness, character education, and creativity.

Wayang Sunar (Bali, Indonesia)

Is an innovative puppetry collective presenting large-scale, illuminated three-dimensional figures inspired by ogoh-ogoh forms. Blending theatre, vocal performance, and dynamic lighting, their work is guided by the philosophy of “Sunar” (light) as a symbol of inner
conscience and human excellence.

Ental Puppet Project (Bali, Indonesia)

Wayang Ental is a Balinese art project that reinterprets traditional puppetry using woven ental (lontar) palm leaves formed into three-dimensional figures. Blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary approaches, the work offers a distinctive evolution of conventional shadow puppetry.

Yinalang Group (Taiwan)

Rooted in the spirit of play, Yinalang explores puppetry, objects, light and shadow to transform everyday materials into imaginative performance. Embracing curiosity and a childlike perspective, the company also develops participatory workshops that connect local stories and memories with creative experimentation.

Ta-lent Show (Thailand)

Founded in 2020 by renowned Thai performer Nuttapol Kummata (Ta), Ta-Lent Show blends over 25 years of experience with fresh collaboration alongside emerging artist Nattaporn Thanhahuad (May), creating dynamic contemporary performances rooted in tradition.

Naranjarte (New Zealand)

Founded in 2011 by Ana Lorite and Sergio Aguilar, Naranjarte combines puppetry and circus in visually rich, immersive performances. After touring internationally, they are now based in Aotearoa New Zealand, where they continue creating work and leading community-focused arts and education projects.