In 2010, I went for Papermoon Puppet Theatre’s puppet festival, Pesta Boneka #2, in the festival’s early beginnings, missed #3 and #4 – and was very sad both times! – so I was so pleased to go for #5, themed “Home”.
Here are two poems inspired by the bazaar and Papermoon Puppet Theatre’s performance, The Old Man’s Books. #pestabonekabloggingcontest #pestaboneka5
1. Handmade Home
Inspired by Pesta Boneka #5’s bazaar.
I used to think that home was a place you take
Take with you, in your heart, and in your mind
But now I see that home is a place you make,
Thanks to Pesta Boneka number 5.
Walking through the bazaar, you see
Paintings on shirts, beanbags, notebooks,
their covers recycled from cartons of milo, coffee,
Emptied of energy. But now –
Given a new lease of life thanks to a bit of thread, and belief.
Because a walk through the bazaar, you see,
Makes you realise home is where canvases are drawn on
Where rest is waiting, and ready,
Where trash turns into a brand new beginning,
Empty pages filled with opportunity.
I used to think that home was a place you take
With you, leaving the past behind
But now I see it’s a place that you make and unmake,
And are remaking all the time.
Achebong’s (Instagram: @achebong) stall selling handmade notebooks (with recycled carton covers), cards, and gifts. This was my favourite.
2. They Tell Our Stories
Inspired by “The Old Man’s Books”, by Papermoon Puppet Theatre.
Set for The Old Man’s Books, designed by Anton Fajri
Walk into Papermoon’s world of shadow and light:
They’re tapping on boxes, creating new beats
Men and women are reading newspapers,
Collecting the stories of the street.
A girl is reading her book aloud,
While a boy and dog fall asleep
Forgetting that action can, too, be found
When you’re still, and in your seat.
Animals pop out from between the book’s pages
Colours and shades lifted up to the light,
Now you see a cat, then a fish, and a story –
As paper and darkness are brought to life.
With the skillful hands of the puppeteers
They make and unmake our hopes and fears
When the team arrives to take a bow,
You see a family together now,
Weaving our stories together, you and me
In the light and shadow of our humanity.
wayangkancil 