The Tanglewood Marionettes are returning to the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs to perform The Dragon King, an underwater fantasy that includes a cast of both humans and sea creatures — depicted as marionettes of course.

The performance takes place on Tuesday, July 18 beginning at 5:30 p.m. It is based on a Chinese folk tale where a Dragon King rules over all things water. After a long drought, an intrepid grandmother journeys to the bottom of the sea to confront the Dragon King.

The Tanglewood Marionettes were founded in 1993 and are a nationally touring company. After the show on Tuesday, the master puppeteers invite the audience to step backstage to see the marionettes up close and discover the world behind the curtain. 

Suggested donation is $5. For more information, visit mvcma.org.