International Conference in Lübeck: “Puppets, a Heritage in Danger?”
KOLK 17 & UNIMA Heritage Commission Conference | 25–26 April 2025 | Lübeck, Germany & Online
UNIMA International’s Heritage Commission, in collaboration with KOLK 17 Puppet Theatre & Museum, invites you to a two-day international conference in Lübeck: "Puppets, a heritage in danger? How can we face critical situations?" This important event will take place Friday 25 April – Saturday 26 April 2025, and will be held in English.
A Hybrid Conference for a Global Audience
While they warmly welcome participants to Lübeck in person, they understand that travel isn’t possible for everyone. That’s why this year’s conference will be held in a hybrid format—meaning you can also join them online from anywhere in the world. Presentations will include live subtitles, and remote attendees are encouraged to participate by submitting questions via the Zoom chat, which will be relayed to speakers during the discussion sessions.
🖥️ Join online via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83561297905?pwd=Zu4umDR21iiH3h37Nixt3us6U7fsWU.1
Please remember to mute your microphone and video during the session.
Protecting Puppetry in Times of Crisis
In moments of natural disaster or conflict, cultural heritage is often at risk. While many efforts exist to protect monuments and archives, puppetry heritage remains especially vulnerable and frequently undervalued.
This conference will address:
How puppet theatre heritage is impacted by crisis
Proactive strategies for protection
Immediate responses during and after disasters
The role of the global puppetry community in safeguarding traditions
Voices from Around the World
Our distinguished speakers include:
Liliana Pérez Recio (Cuba/Brazil)
Kathy Foley (USA)
They will be joined by an international scientific committee, including Raphaèle Fleury (France), Mamby Mawine (Senegal), and Antonia Napp (Germany).
Join The Event — In Lübeck or Online
📍 Venue: KOLK 17 Puppet Theatre & Museum, Kolk 14, 23552 Lübeck, Germany
💶 Fees: 25€ (Conference), 10€ (Workshop)
🔗 Register now: https://gstoo.de/kolk17-heritage-conference
🗓️ Dates: Friday 25 April – Saturday 26 April 2025
Whether you attend in person or tune in from afar, this is a unique opportunity to explore how we can protect and preserve the cultural legacy of puppetry in times of crisis.
FULL PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
KOLK 17 & UNIMA Heritage Conference
Programme
April 25, 2025
8:30 – Arrival & Collection of Documentation
9:04 – Official Opening of the Seminar
Dr. Antonia Napp (KOLK 17)
9:12 – Online Presentation
Puppets at Risk of Disappearance: The Follow-Up, Successors
Dadi D. Pudumjee – India
A practicing puppeteer reflects on a journey of over 60 years
9:33 – Documentation of Puppet Theatre: What Role Do Museums Play in Preserving International Puppet Heritage?
Dr. Antonia Napp – Germany
9:54 – Online Presentation
Puppetry in Times of War
Alissa Mello – USA
10:15 – 10:45 – Break
10:46 – Volcano, Revolutions, Wars, Winds, Waves: Preserving Asian Intangible Cultural Puppet Heritage in Times of Trauma
Kathy Foley – USA
11:07 – Round Table Discussion with First Speakers
Moderator: Lucile Bodson
11:40 – 13:30 – Lunch Break
13:31 – Puppeteers of Rio Grande do Sul, 2024: What Can Be Saved After the Flood?
Liliana Pérez Recio – Cuba/Brazil
13:52 – Recognizing Puppetry as Heritage: A First Step Toward Its Protection and Conservation
Eric Deniaud – France/Lebanon
14:15 – Round Table Discussion with Second Speakers
Moderator: Antonia Napp
14:55 – 15:25 – Break
15:26 – Online Case Study
La Situation du Centre Djarama
Mamby Mawine – Senegal
15:48 – Once Upon a Flood: The Night Valencian Puppetry Found a Second Life
Lorena Comin & Margarida Castellano – Spain
16:10 – Discussion of the Case Studies
Organised by UNIMA International (Heritage Commission), KOLK 17 Puppet Theatre & Museum
