Kensington resident Margaret Auerbach is carrying on the family legacy of puppetry that her grandfather started, and she is using it to address social issues.
“My grandfather was a puppeteer and my mother took over after him.
“I never knew him but from the stories my mother shared, I would have loved to meet him because he was passionate about puppetry,” said Margaret.
Also read: Why learn CPR?
She said puppetry has been part of the family for as long she could remember.
“My mother made me my first puppets when I was 10 years old and that was a cat and a panda bear. That’s when the journey of puppetry started,” said Margaret.
When she was in high school she already knew what she wanted to do, which was to travel the world and do puppet shows.
Margaret had the opportunity to travel but came back to SA and continued her dream of doing puppet shows.
She is a teacher by profession and said puppetry is an amazing way to interact with children.
“Children have different challenges and I pick this up when I go to schools.
“Some get scared when seeing the puppets the first time because I talk to them allowing them to be involved in the story.
Also read: Glenoaks School learners learn to give back
“It’s very different from watching television where they just sit and watch.
“They get to participate and talk to the characters,” explained Margaret.
She said she is very passionate about the environment and animal rights.
“I always find out what is happening around us regarding environmental issues and make shows that address these issues and also educate the children.
“I allow them to solve the problem in the play of how to save a forest or endangered species,” said Margaret.
She said she also uses the plays to address social issues.
Also read: Children learn about emergency services
“Bullying is a problem in school, especially with the little ones. I do shows where I teach them how to stand up to a bully and make the bullies see what they are doing is wrong,” explained Margaret.
She said it gives her joy to be able to share her work and be able to educate at the same time.
“I allow them to be creative and be free to ask questions while they learn. It’s fun for them and they enjoy it,” said Margaret.
She said she also offers puppet making classes where the children can create their own character.
She said puppetry is not only for children as adults can enjoy it.
Margaret will be doing shows at the Kensington Spring Fair on September 2.
