At 72, Lata Satagopan is teaching educators across India how to use puppetry as an engaging educational tool for children, especially those aged between nine and 14.
Lata's love for puppetry began in school. As an introverted child, she found solace in her school's puppet theatre. Workshops with British actor Jennifer Kendal further ignited her passion, exposing her to Shakespearean theatre.
In 1986, Lata attended a 45-day NCERT puppetry training programme in Shillong, representing her school and the state of Karnataka. This was a turning point that helped her get trained in the “educational use of puppetry".
Lata believes puppetry is ideal for storytelling, which she calls "an effective communication tool" that makes learning more memorable.
“A puppet is not just a doll; it has life and can replace a human,” says Lata, emphasising that puppet play can convey powerful messages with minimal dialogue.
Lata’s journey in puppetry spans 37 years, training teachers and performing for students to promote this unique form of learning across India.
Through thematic performances online and offline, Lata combines “theatre in education” with her passion for storytelling to make learning interactive and fun.
“Puppetry improves communication, social skills, and creativity,” Lata shares. She notes it has a therapeutic value, encouraging positive behavioural changes in children by tapping into their inner child.
India's National Education Policy 2020 encourages toy-based pedagogy for children aged three and above, an initiative Lata fully supports to enhance experiential learning.
Lata has also been involved in the BEd curriculum, teaching future educators how puppetry can bring subjects like English, science, and social studies to life.
Lata's puppet shows are the result of meticulous research and countless rehearsals. With the help of technology and input from her students, her hard work pays off.
Puppetry brings joy and meaning to Lata's life. She's constantly innovating, combining music with storytelling and staging interactive shows. Yet, she remains dedicated to her specialty: glove puppets.
Lata’s dedication goes beyond performances — she's helping revive puppetry in Karnataka, mentoring new artists, and popularising this art form in education.
Lata’s dedication goes beyond performances — she's helping revive puppetry in Karnataka, mentoring new artists, and popularising this art form in education.