Tribute to Margareta Niculescu (1926-2018)

The Institute at the World Puppet Theatre Festival (17-26 Sept. 2021)

Margareta Niculescu played a major role in the revival of puppetry from 1949 to 2013.
She marked an entire era and generations of puppeteers trained under her.
In her honour, the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette (ESNAM), which she founded in 1987 alongside Jacques Félix, will take her name.

Margareta Niculescu, photo : Christophe Loiseau
Margareta Niculescu, photo : Christophe Loiseau

During her fourteen years at the helm of the Institut and ESNAM, from 1985 to 1998, Margareta Niculescu initiated and implemented large-scale events and outreach initiatives – the creation of IIM Publications and of the Villa d’Aubilly, international meetings of puppetry schools then international meetings concerning artistic education, the events Territoires africain, brésilien et japonais, Musique en movement, seminars and conferences, … – all of which have greatly contributed to the renown of the Institute and its school as well as to the recognition of puppetry arts.