President
UNIMA Jordan
International Puppetry Association — Jordanian chapter
Puppet Artist · Educator · Maker
Buthaina
Bandora
بثينة بندورة
Jordan's leading puppet arts specialist, UNIMA Jordan President, and the founder of Harat Adduma — where handmade characters come to life.
UNIMA Jordan PresidentEmmy Nominee 2021Sesame Workshop AdvisorHarat Adduma Founder
Puppetry is not just performance — it is a tool for education, empathy, and social change.
Buthaina Bandora has dedicated her career to the art of puppetry — not just as a performance art, but as a powerful tool for education, social change, and human connection. Born in Belgrade and based in Amman, Jordan, she holds a BSc in Pharmacy from Jordan University of Science and Technology (1996), yet found her true calling in the world of handmade characters, shadow theatre, and puppet design.
Her journey spans over two decades: from heading the Puppetry Department at Haya Cultural Center (2016–2019), to serving as Visual and Technical Puppetry Advisor for Ahlan Simsim (2020–2024) — the Arab world's Sesame Street, which received an International Emmy Nomination in 2021.
She has collaborated with the European Union, Save the Children, ACTED, AFAC, UN Women, Jordan's Ministry of Culture, and dozens of organizations — using puppetry for elections awareness, gender equality, refugee psychosocial support, and children's empowerment.
In 2010, she founded Harat Adduma (حارة الدمى). In 2024, she was elected President of UNIMA Jordan.
Career Highlights
2024–present 2010–present Founder & CEO
Harat Adduma
Jordan's pioneering puppet arts education platform
2020–2024 Visual & Technical Puppetry Advisor
Ahlan Simsim · Sesame Workshop
International Emmy Nominee 2021
2016–2019 Head of Puppetry
Haya Cultural Center
Educational programs, festivals, and workshops for children
2022–2024 Lecturer
American University of the Middle East
Freehand Drawing — Design & Visual Communication Dept.
2021 International Emmy Nominee
Ahlan Simsim
Nominated for International Emmy Award
Collaborators & Partners
Organizations Buthaina has worked with across Jordan and internationally
European UnionSesame WorkshopSave the ChildrenACTEDAFACUN WomenMinistry of Culture JordanHaya Cultural CenterEDRAAKNetherlands Institute for Multiparty DemocracyJordan Hashemite Charity OrganizationBank al EtihadTime Center JordanGymkumaSalwa PublishersThe Children's Museum JordanAhlan Simsim
Let'sWorkTogether
Interested in a workshop, collaboration, custom commission, or creative project? Buthaina would love to hear from you.