Mandalay hosts discussion on traditional marionette arts

A TALK titled “The Future of Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupes” was held at the National Theatre in Aungmyethazan Township, Mandalay, on 2 April.

Participants discuss marionettes on stage.

Officials from the Fine Arts Department under the Ministry of Culture, students and faculty members from the drama departments at the National University of Arts and Culture in Yangon and the National University of Arts and Culture in Mandalay and members of the Myanmar Marionette Troupes Development Association attended the talk.

At the event, Professor U Khine Htun from the Department of Dramatic Arts at the National University of Arts and Culture in Yangon, author Nyo Htun Lu and Thanlyin Maung Wint War discussed “The Future of The Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupes”; author Chit San Win spoke about “Original Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupes”; Mr Dadi Pudumjee, president of the Union Internationale de la Marionnette (UNIMA), discussed the history of that organization; Myanmar traditional orchestra artiste U Than Chaung and musician U Sein Mwut  Tar discussed “Musical Beats and the Pulse of Myanmar Traditional Orchestra Associated with Myanmar Marionette”;  U Khin Maung Htway of the Htway Oo Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupe discussed “Children’s Education and Myanmar Marionettes”; lecturer U Aung Toe and lecturer Daw Win Pa Pa of the National University of Arts and Culture in Yangon discussed “The History of Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupes”.  

The Audience at the talk.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and the Myanmar Marionette Drama Troupe Association are working to develop Myanmar marionette drama troupes.—Thiha Ko Ko