Myanmar Marionettes is a Mandalay-based string puppetry company founded by Ma Ma Naing and Naing Yee Mar in 1986. To the present day, the Myanmar Marionettes and their programming still strive not only to entertain through their performances but also to educate the world audience on the rich history and cultural values of Myanmar’s theatrical arts.
The puppet depicts the Jungle Ogre (Taw Belu). While physically similar to the city ogre, the jungle ogre is dressed in a different tone of green clothing and silk textile around his hip. On each hand, he carries a short golden sword (Thanlyet)—one of the five items of the Burmese king’s regalia. A defining characteristic of the jungle ogre is a rounded-dome headdress decorated with colourful stones on its surface. The ogre’s facial expression is vigilant and aggressive, as his iconic scene involves a fight with the city ogre. In the performance, the ogre’s dance represents their evil power and strength.
