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Union Internationale de la Marionnette

Non-Governmental Organization affiliated to UNESCO

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Day 2 brought reports from South & East Asian, Pacific, West & Central Asian, European and African centers and representatives as well as Commission reports by the Asia-Pacific, Communication & Public Relations, Education, Developments & Therapy, International Festivals, Heritage, Museums & Documentation and Professional Training Commissions. It was a day to celebrate the many projects and achievements of the last two years but also to learn and reflect on the many difficult realities of our world today. The ongoing effects of the pandemic, natural disasters and war threaten the lives and livelihoods of our members in profound ways. In Bali we learn of the philosophy of Rwa Bhineda, which reminds us of the opposing forces in life that are an ever present reality – always struggling for balance. When  puppeteers must still bury their puppets and theaters are destroyed by bombs, balance seems far away but when we work together perhaps it is a little closer.

On a more positive note, the Festivals commission reported on the updated Passport program which allows developing puppeteers to receive tickets and housing to attend festivals in the network. As a reminder, if you do not see your festival listed in the recently updated database on the website – fill out the form on the website and it will be included!

And the Professional Training commission also requests submissions to update the website listings of opportunities

And as a reminder, please check your National Center information and send in updates if needed. UNIMA needs your engagement and attention to ensure the website is as robust and up to date as possible. 

Festival performances also continued including performances by Chinese and Indonesian artists in the afternoon and a selection of excellent wayang performances in the evening including a show by the acclaimed dalang Cenk Blonc. For more information about this dalang – please see his listing in the WEPA!

Terima Kasih to our Balinese hosts for another wonderful day and thank you to the councilors and members for your continued engagement.

(photo of Cenk Blonk by Claudia Orenstein) (photo of Jinjiang China Troupe by Matthew Isaac Cohen)