Figures of Speech Theatre’s puppets in “Jester Kings of Java”

Ian Bannon of Figures of Speech Theatre is the puppeteer for the one-man show, “Jester Kings of Java,” to be presented Saturday, Aug. 18, at Celebration Barn in Paris.

PARIS — Handcrafted puppets made from gilded water buffalo hide will portray heroes, villains and lovers from the ancient Ramayana.

They will dance across an 8-foot wide shadow screen to the sound of Indonesian gamelan music.

On Saturday, Aug. 18, Celebration Barn will present Figures of Speech Theatre’s one-man show “Jester Kings of Java.” Peaks Island Puppets will open the performance with the humorous tale of Solomon and Ashmedai (or how King Sol wasn’t always wise).

“Jester Kings of Java” follows the story of King Rama, who wants to marry Princess Sinta but has epic challenges to overcome, including wild battles and  strange adventures — with some humor thrown in.

Ian Bannon, Figures of Speech Theatre’s director of education, will assume the traditional role of the dalang, or puppeteer, animating a wide array of characters on their whirlwind quest through the show.

The performance, geared to all ages, features museum-quality authentic Indonesian puppets 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.

It is a four-time recipient of the UNIMA Citation of Excellence, the “Oscar” of American puppet theater.

“Jester Kings of Java” will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $8 for students/children. Call 743-8452. Celebration Barn Theater is at 190 Stock Farm Road off Route 117. For more information, visit www.CelebrationBarn.com.