This speculative actor has residence at PuppetART, where artistic director Igor Gozman and I had a fascinating discussion, debate, wrangle, over the notion of the souls of puppets, of where the breath of life, so to speak, resides. Is there a difference in an object – a puppet, a violin, a piece of clothing worn by a cherished loved one – when the energy of creation or performance or possession – of love, really – has passed through it? Does that make it “alive” in some lasting way?

Look in these eyes, and you decide.