1927 – 2016

UNIMA and the world of puppet theatre has lost one of its greatest pillars of scholarly research and artistic talent beyond compare.

Henryk Jurkowski, UNIMA Honorary President and dear friend is no more.

Henryk was an inspiration to puppeteers all over the world, those he met, those he taught and many who read his articles and books on the art and science of puppet theatre.

Henryk contribution and work spans a whole era, the art which he so loved and the art that he most profoundly brought alive to all of us, his smile, the twinkle in his eye and his encouragement to younger generations of puppeteers the world over, will be sincerely missed by all of us.

Many met him last in Charleville, it was a pleasure and treat to see him in all his spirit and energy in the conferences and interactions during the festival and seminar sessions.

His word was truly admired and accounted for by each one of us who had the pleasure and honour of meeting him through these many years , both in UNIMA as also in many fora around the globe.There are few like him with his critical eye and intellect, his thought and word as also his friendship will live ever more.

In deepest condolences to his family, friends and all of us puppeteers who will always keep him close in our hearts.

Dear Henryk may you rest in everlasting peace, and may you guide us where ever you are.

Dadi D. Pudumjee
President UNIMA