Dockteatern Lilla Åsnan – also known as Pikku Aasin Nukketeatteri and Il Teatrino del Ciuchino – is an Italian-Finnish professional puppet theatre based in Vaasa, founded in 2006. Initially established as a touring theatre for children, it now also runs its own venue, Lilla Åsnan’s Stable, located in the Vaasa garrison area.

The theatre’s artistic profile is shaped by a unique blend of Italian and Finnish influences, with performances incorporating Swedish, Finnish, and Italian. Many productions are original works or imaginative re-tellings of traditional stories, addressing themes such as friendship, solidarity, love, and respect for people and nature.

Puppets, scenography, and music are largely created by the theatre’s own team, using a wide range of techniques including hand puppets, marionettes, shadow theatre, and black theatre. Performances take place in diverse settings, from schools and kindergartens to festivals, public events, and private celebrations.

Dockteatern Lilla Åsnan has received several awards, including the City of Vaasa Cultural Prize and a prize from the Finnish Cultural Foundation in Southern Ostrobothnia in 2025.