Papermoon Puppet Theatre

On the Indonesian islands of Java and Bali, shadow puppetry—known as wayang kulit—has been a cornerstone of storytelling for centuries. Intricately carved from cowhide and mounted on rods, these flat puppets come to life through light and shadow during elaborate performances. Passed down through generations, the stories they tell reflect deep cultural traditions and mythologies.

While Indonesia is renowned for its classical puppetry, Papermoon Puppet Theatre represents a bold new chapter. Founded without formal training, the company takes a contemporary, imaginative approach—drawing inspiration from sources like Sesame Street and Studio Ghibli. Their innovative performances transcend language and tradition, connecting with audiences across ages and cultures, while adding a modern voice to Indonesia’s rich puppetry legacy.