Programme of the Institute at the Festival mondial des théâtres de marionnettes (17-26 Sept. 21)

40 years at the Festival Mondial des Théâtres de Marionnettes

Focused on artistic, educational and academic sharing.

The creation of the Institut International de la Marionnette has assisted a deep and lasting evolution of puppetry arts since its opening in 1981 for the recognition of an art in its own right.

A place for meeting, teaching, experimenting and reflection, the Institute has been developing its activities in training, research and documentation at the service of creation in the field of contemporary puppetry for 40 years. Its singular history and the diversity of its projects make it the only establishment of its kind in France, and a reference centre whose competence is recognised worldwide.

Human and artistic adventures have always been at the heart of the Institute. Among the artists who have marked its history, Margareta Niculescu holds a very special place. She laid the foundations for the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts de la Marionnette alongside Jacques Félix in 1986. A school with international influence which has trained more than 160 students (1987-2020), some of whom came from the other side of the world. Accompanied by their partners, the Institute, the Festival and UNIMA will pay tribute to this great lady of puppetry.