Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

Adapted from a popular novel, “War Horse” features life-size horse puppets manipulated by costumed actors.

Eric Grigorian for The Boston Globe

The puppet was created by the South Africa-based Handspring Puppet Company.

Eric Grigorian for The Boston Globe

Handspring's Adrian Kohler, left, and Basil Jones oversaw the puppet-building process, which took more than a year and a half.

Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

A hit in London and on Broadway, the play earned five Tonys last year.

Brinkhoff/Mögenburg

It will come to the Boston Opera House in October.