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Union Internationale de la Marionnette

Non-Governmental Organization affiliated to UNESCO

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Biserka Assenova, Honorary Member of UNIMA International and a remarkable figure in the world of puppetry, born on October 18, 1943, in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Biserka was an innovator and pioneer—being the first woman to complete a degree in puppet direction and dramaturgy at DAMU in Prague. She studied under legendary mentors such as Jan Malík and Erik Kolár, who profoundly influenced her artistry. Her passion and dedication enriched puppetry for decades, from her beginnings at Peruchet in 1968 – (Brussels, Belgium) to her tenure as director of Théâtre Royal du Peruchet (2003–2010) and beyond.

Biserka contributed significantly to building the incredible puppet collection at the Peruchet Theatre Museum, preserving puppetry’s rich heritage for future generations. She was also a bridge between countries, fostering collaboration and exchange across borders through her work and her commitment to the art of puppetry.

Her celebrated productions, created in collaboration with her husband Franz Jageneau, captivated audiences worldwide, featuring works such as Hänsel and Gretel, Alice in Wonderland, and The Nutcracker. Biserka’s innovative spirit, combined with her dedication to puppetry as both an art form and a family legacy, leaves an indelible mark on the field.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those inspired by her extraordinary life and work.


To honor her legacy, we invite you to read her biography and watch a video interview where Biserka reflects on her student days and her journey into puppetry:

Biserka Assenova, born on October 18, 1943, in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a renowned puppeteer, director, playwright, and translator whose career has spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on the world of puppetry. Biserka studied directing and dramaturgy at the prestigious DAMU (Academy of Performing Arts) in Prague, where she learned from influential figures such as Jan Malik, Erik Kolar, the Radok brothers (Lanterna Magica), Dr. Purstchke, Fialka, and Svoboda. She completed her studies between 1963 and 1967, earning distinction for her directing work and receiving the esteemed Red Notebook award for excellence in directing. Before the Prague Spring in 1968, she left Prague and began her journey at the Peruchet Theatre in 1968. She is credited as the first woman to complete a degree in puppet direction and dramaturgy at DAMU. In addition to her directing work, Biserka served as a translator at various international conferences, facilitating communication between notable figures in the puppetry world, such as Jan Malik, Erik Kolar, the Ukrainians, and Sergej Obratzsov, particularly during the UNIMA Congress of 1972 in Charleville-Mézières. Biserka was deeply involved in puppetry as both a director and performer from 1975 to 2010, working closely with her husband, Franz Jageneau, in creating several celebrated productions. Together, they co-wrote and staged numerous iconic shows, including Hänsel and Gretel (1979), The Princess with the Golden Hair (1981), Little Red Riding Hood (1984), Tintin in Tibet (1985), The Nutcracker (1986), The Four Seasons (1987), L’Enfant Mozart (1991), The Three Little Pigs (1993), The Curious Little Elephant (1995), and Alice in Wonderland (1997). Her creative work also included the invention of two finger puppets, l’Ami Do and l’Ami Sol, which became central characters in her collaboration with Jeunesses Musicales de Belgique (1986-1992). As a director, Biserka continued to work in close collaboration with her family, with her husband making the puppets and her contributing to the set design. She was also a performer in the productions she directed, as their theater was a family affair. In 2003, she took on the role of director at the Théâtre Royal du Peruchet, where she remained until 2010, when she passed the leadership on to her son, Dimitri Jageneau. Biserka continued to perform at Le Peruchet until 2023, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of puppetry.