"This paper explores the characteristics of the puppet which can be utilized to generate critical thinking and informed choices in a troubled society with reference to projects of historical and contemporary importance. As an animated performance object the puppet has an imagined life which enables an unusual freedom of expression so that controversial social and political ideas and conventions may be challenged. As a dual-natured performance object the puppet has an extraordinary license to criticize and mock by means of satire and parody. These qualities offer artists as activists remarkable opportunities to create entertainment aimed at enhancing social and political awareness and transformation while conscientising audiences at the same time." (Abstract)