Papermoon Puppet Theatre (October 4) works out of a studio they built themselves deep in the jungle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Their studio is surrounded by dense forest, but inside it is big and bright, allowing the company to create their hand-built puppets together and to work on creating shows. That creative spark of bright liveliness against the dark is a theme in much of the company’s work. The stories they tell through their puppet shows are often heartbreaking, showing the sadness and loss that are part of life. But their puppets also convey joy, wonder and good humor—all inspired by the history and environment where the group creates their work.
At the Center for the Arts, the group will perform Puno, Sewing Memories. It tells the story of Tala, a young girl, who is coping with the death of her father Puno, a tailor. Through multiple puppetry techniques, an evocative visual environment, and a rich musical score—but no words—Papermoon invites us to consider the different ways death shapes our own lives. The action of the primary characters is inspired by kuruma ningyo, a bunraku form of manipulation executed on moving carts.
The process of grieving is a major theme of the show. It’s highlighted by the practice of people in Java, Indonesia sharing condolences using the word ikhlas, encouraging those who are grieving to “let go” and accept loss, encouraging strength.
Papermoon Puppet Theatre was founded in 2006 by illustrator, writer, and theatre performer Maria (Ria) Tri Sulistyani and visual artist Iwan Effendi. The company originally focused on performing for kids, but soon realized that puppets connect with audiences of all ages. Their shows are all non-verbal, bringing a beautiful universality to their performances. And makes perfect sense given their Indonesian origins – a country where almost 400 languages are spoken!
Papermoon Puppet Theatre serves as a Mason Artist-in-Residence this 2025–26 season. During the week-long residency, the company will participate in the following events across campus and community:
- Moderated Conversation with George Mason University Performing Arts Management class
As a Mason Artist-in-Residence, Papermoon Puppet Theatre Founder and Co-Artistic Director Maria “Ria” Sulistyani leads a digital discussion with graduate-level arts management students in the Performing Arts Management class, moderated by Prof. Eric Oberstein.
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Residency Welcome Lunch
A welcome lunch with Papermoon Puppet Theatre, Center for the Arts faculty, staff, and special guests.
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Object Manipulation and Mask Theater Workshop with OLLI Mason
Papermoon Puppet Theater Founder and Co-Artistic Director Maria “Ria” Sulistyani and Artist Pambo Priyojati lead an object manipulation and mask theater workshop with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute students.
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Graduate Design Seminar Course: Class Visit
Papermoon Puppet Theatre Co-Artistic Director Iwan Effendi joins graduate students in the Art and Visual Technology program for a session moderated by Zoë Charlton, Director of the George Mason School of Art.
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World Stages Course: Class Visit
Papermoon Puppet Theatre Co-Founder and Artistic Director Maria “Ria” Sulistyani joins students in the World Stages course moderated by Nicholas Kfoury Horner, Director of the George Mason School of Theatre.
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Residency Puppetry Workshop
In partnership with Cornerstones – Hope for Tomorrow Today and Reston Community Center, Papermoon Puppet Theatre leads a hands-on puppetry workshop for approximately 25 children (ages 8–12).
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Field Trip Performance
Friday, October 3 at 11 a.m.
Harris Theatre at George Mason University (4471 Aquia Creek Lane, Fairfax, VA 22030)
FREE, registration required
In conjunction with the Great Performances at Mason series, the Center makes it easy for classes or groups to attend field trips, introducing students to dance, theater, and music from around the world. Per the artist’s request, this October 3 experience is targeted to grades 9–12 specifically, so requests will be fielded on a first-come, first-served basis from high school students and their chaperones only. Please contact Jess Singley (jsingle8@gmu.edu) for the registration form.
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Public Ticketed Performances as part of the Great Performances at Mason series
Puno, Sewing Memories
Saturday, October 4 at 2 p.m.* and 7 p.m.
Harris Theatre
*The 2 p.m. performance will be audio-described.
Tickets: $35 (price includes fees); half-price for youth through Grade 12
Recommended for children and adults; ages 7 and older.
Please note: A special post-performance discussion with the artists will be held from the stage immediately following the performance. (There will not be a pre-performance discussion offered for this event.)
Sponsors:
Papermoon Puppet Theatre is on tour in the USA as part of Center Stage, an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs with funding provided by the U.S. Government. It is administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with the U.S. Regional Arts Organizations. General management is provided by Lisa Booth Management, Inc.
The Mason Artist-in-Residence program is supported in part by the Wendy Frieman and David Johnson Fund.
Watch a teaser video for Papermoon Puppet Theatre's Puno, Sewing Memories: