Event

Figures of Speech Theatre Company Presents "Jester Kings of Java"

American audiences are in for an exotic treat with Figures of Speech Theatre production of Jester Kings of Java. Gorgeous hand-crafted puppets made from gilded water buffalo hide portray the heroes, villains, and lovers from the ancient Ramayana, who dance across the eight-foot wide shadow screen to the mesmerizing sound of Indonesian gamelan music.
The story follows King Rama, who wants to marry Princess Sinta. But Sinta is in no mood for romance, because an evil giant has dog-napped her precious pup, Furri-Furri! All is in chaos, for there can be no harmony in the Kingdom when the Kings heart is not at peace. To restore equilibrium and win Sintas heart, Rama enlists the help of his overly chatty servant Gareng, Hanuman the White Monkey, a giant Garuda Bird, and even the heavenly lord Bathara Guru! Wild battles, strange adventures, and outrageous humor promise to entertain audiences of all ages.
Figures of Speech Theatre Director of Education Ian Bannon assumes the traditional role of the dalang, or puppeteer, animating a wide array of characters on their whirlwind quest through this oneman show. The performance features museum-quality authentic Indonesian puppets generously donated by Mari Hook of Denmark, Maine, as well as a few surprising contemporary additions.
Figures of Speech Theatre was founded in 1982 to explore the interplay of puppets, actors, shadows, music, movement, and masks. The company has performed throughout Japan, North and South America and Europe with performances which are enjoyed equally by adults and young people. Figures of Speech Theatre is a four-time recipient of the coveted UNIMA Citation of Excellence, the Oscar of American puppet theatre.

*Photo Credit: Mike Dana