The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust is a pioneering platform for puppetry in India, recognized internationally for its innovative and impactful performances. Founded in 1987 by acclaimed puppeteer Dadi D. Pudumjee, Ishara has been at the forefront of using puppetry to educate, entertain, and bring awareness to important social issues. With over three decades of experience, the trust has created numerous award-winning shows that resonate with diverse audiences, from children to adults.
Ishara's work spans various forms of puppetry, including rod puppets, shadow puppets, glove puppets, and larger-than-life figures. The trust's performances are known for their creativity and ability to integrate different media and performers, such as dancers and actors, to tell compelling stories.
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Dadi D. Pudumjee, the Managing Trustee and Artistic Director of the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, is a trailblazer in the realm of modern puppetry in India. Dadi Pudumjee entered the field as a young enthusiast in 1968. Today he is well known and established as a pioneer of modern puppetry in India. He served as the President of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), the worldwide puppetry organization for 15 years.
Pudumjee’s journey into puppetry began as a hobby in his hometown of Pune. He pursued formal education in Visual Communication at the National Institute of Design Ahmedabad, where he was mentored by Meher Contractor at the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. His passion for puppetry was further nurtured at the Marionette Theater Institute in Stockholm under Michael Meschke, and through workshops by Bunraku master Sennosuke Yoshida in Japan.
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