The heritage city of San Miguel de Allende experienced a unique afternoon, one that evokes a sense of community and childhood memories. The bandstand in the main garden, a meeting point for tourists, artisans, and families, became the stage for a small puppet festival that brought together companies from Mexico, Argentina, El Salvador, and Colombia. The free, open-air event drew dozens of families who filled the space with laughter, participation, and the kind of focused attention that few performing arts achieve today.
The day began with performances that gradually captivated the audience, but the magic truly blossomed with a series of shows that revealed the diversity and depth of puppet theater. Among them, “The Story of a Lost Egg,” by Ocelot Teatro (El Salvador), stood out as one of the most celebrated performances for its emotional connection with the children in the audience. The plot (the theft of the only egg that Mother Hen dreamed of turning into her son) allowed for constant interaction with the children, who offered clues, solutions, and became an essential part of the action. The appearance of secret agent Don Choco provoked laughter that spread throughout the audience, and several adults commented that the play’s style reminded them of educational television from decades ago, when simple stories left a lasting impression.
Another of the most significant moments came with “The Last Train,” performed by the Argentinian company M.A.I.A. In a country where train stations are part of countless family memories, the play generated a layer of nostalgia that resonated powerfully. The protagonist, caretaker of a forgotten station, awaits the return of a train that stopped running years ago. The play, constructed with a leisurely pace and visually immersive style, appealed to the collective memory of those who have seen these landscapes of the past disappear. Audience participation (essential for recovering the stolen brake from the tracks) reinforced the feeling of accompanying the character in an intimate act of persistence and hope.
Meanwhile, the Colombian company Teatro Comunidad presented “Chirinventos, songs and stories,” a musical journey through different regions of Colombia. The blend of rhythms, narration, and puppetry offered a vibrant cultural tour that captivated both children and adults. It was one of the performances that most stirred the audience: applause in time with the music, voices joining in the songs, and smiles accompanying every scene.
Source: oem
