Puppeteer Carlos Converso to receive Bellas Artes Medal after 50 years in Mexico

Renowned puppeteer, actor, playwright, and theater director Carlos Converso will be honored with the Bellas Artes Medal on July 28, 2026. The Argentinian-born, naturalized Mexican artist also marks 50 years since his arrival in Mexico and over five decades dedicated to the art of puppetry.

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Practically my entire career has been here. It is where I trained as a stage and puppet artist. My entire profile, my personal stamp in what I do and produce has to do with my stay in Mexico, with the audience, both children and adults. It has been fundamental; like many, Mexico is a country that received me very generously.

Converso, who began working in puppetry in the 1970s, observes a surprising increase in the audience for this art form, even amidst the rise of technology and artificial intelligence. He clarifies that contemporary puppetry often integrates with other artistic languages, featuring actors, dancers, and complex mixed-media performances. Converso specializes in puppetry for adults, an area he sees as having grown significantly.

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Unlike what one might think, with the rise and advancement of technology and artificial intelligence, I have the impression that the audience consuming puppet theater has increased.

Despite the art form's evolution and growing appeal, Converso acknowledges that puppetry is still sometimes considered a lesser art compared to theater performed by human actors. He and other puppeteers strive to elevate its status and demonstrate its capacity to address any theme, just like other artistic expressions. Converso feels the Mexican public is receptive, noting a consistent presence of puppetry in theater listings, particularly for family audiences.

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I and many other puppeteers have been trying to bring puppetry to the forefront and give it the authority it deserves so that it can address any topic like other artistic manifestations.

Recognized with numerous awards throughout his career, Converso emphasizes the importance of focusing on the unique possibilities of live puppetry as a performance medium, rather than attempting to compete with audiovisual media. The Bellas Artes Medal ceremony will take place in the Manuel M. Ponce Hall of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

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Its presence has not diminished, rather it has increased. Perhaps not to the degree one would wish. One always thinks they want more, but it has increased.