PRESS RELEASE FROM THE 3 UNIMA CONSORTIUM
(UNIMA Italy, THEMAA/UNIMA France, UNIMA Federación España)
Presentation of the Project: Eco-Sustainability in Puppet Theatre Creation
In 2025, the 3 UNIMA Consortium—comprising UNIMA Italy, THEMAA/UNIMA France, and UNIMA Federación España—launches the project Eco-Sustainability in Puppet Theatre Creation.
The initiative aims to develop an ecological approach to the design and production of puppets, striving to reduce environmental impact without compromising aesthetic and dramaturgical quality. The project stems from THEMAA/UNIMA France’s existing reflections on eco-sustainability, extending the discussion to Italian and Spanish centres.
This initiative includes the creation of working groups and international exchange opportunities to develop a shared, sustainable approach to puppet-making. The ultimate goal is to strengthen dialogue and collaboration among the three national centres.
Meeting with Noémie Géron
In January 2025, an online meeting was held, bringing together over 60 members from the three centres. Simultaneous translation in Italian, French, and Spanish ensured inclusive participation.
During the meeting, Noémie Géron, a puppeteer and researcher specializing in eco-sustainability, shared her experiences and methodologies for integrating sustainability into puppet-making processes. Noémie, who served as the scientific secretary of the ICiMa Chair at the International Institute of Puppetry in Charleville, has contributed to several research projects on sustainable materials in puppet theatre.
She presented the project “Build, Pollute, Create”, developed in collaboration with THEMAA’s community of puppet makers and engineers specializing in eco-sustainability. The project explores the life cycle of materials used in puppetry, with a particular focus on sustainability and reducing environmental impact during production.
This exchange provided participants with valuable tools for reflection, laying the groundwork for an in-depth discussion on crucial aspects of ensuring a sustainable future for puppet theatre.
A Milestone in Transnational Collaboration
This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the cooperation between the three centres. After more than three years of discussions, they have launched their first joint project. The meeting serves as a solid foundation for future collaborations, aimed at addressing common challenges in the field and developing concrete practices to support the growth of puppet theatre in Europe.
The 3 UNIMA Consortium: History and Objectives
The 3 UNIMA Consortium is an initiative launched by UNIMA Italy, THEMAA/UNIMA France, and UNIMA Federación España. The idea emerged during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, driven by the desire to develop and strengthen puppet theatre at both national and European levels.
Following numerous meetings among representatives of the three organizations, a joint declaration was drafted, setting the foundation for a true transnational partnership. This partnership aims to address the vulnerabilities of the sector and promote new synergies for the growth and sustainability of puppet theatre.
Objectives of the 3 UNIMA Consortium
Transnational collaboration: Establish a cooperative system that transcends national borders, building a European ecosystem for puppet theatre.
Development and inclusivity: Inspired by the Dresden Declaration of the European Theatre Forum, the partnership focuses on four key areas: working conditions, sustainable development, inclusion and access to culture, and international collaborations.
Creation of local and national synergies: Strengthen collaboration among national centres while encouraging joint efforts among local structures in Italy, France, and Spain, fostering connections between local and international levels.
Projects of the 3 UNIMA Consortium
Workplace safety and environmental sustainability
Support for young artists
Affiliation with European theatre networks
In-person meetings
For More Information:
For UNIMA Italy
For UNIMA Federación España
For THEMAA/UNIMA France
