Thangyat (Burmese: သံချပ်) is a Burmese performance art that blends traditional folk verse performances accompanied by the beat of traditional drums or a hsaing waing ensemble,[1] and interspersed with song, dance and chant routines,[2] and performed during festive occasions, particularly during Thingyan in the lead up to the Burmese New Year.[3]
Thangyat are often subversive, humorous, and satirical in nature, expressing social and political commentary and public opinion.[4] Following the 1962 Burmese coup d'état, thangyat performances were subject to censorship, with lyrics requiring pre-approval by a censorship board.[5] From 1974 to 2013, thangyat performances were banned by the Burmese government under the rationale that thangyat performances undermined national security.[3][4] Since 2013, the Burmese government has required thangyat troupes to submit lyrics to municipal thangyat committees for pre-approval.[6][7]
- ^ Liu, Siyuan (2016-02-05). Routledge Handbook of Asian Theatre. Routledge. ISBN 9781317278863.
- ^ "Thangyat: Traditional Songs Hard to Suppress". The Irrawaddy. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
- ^ a b Seekins, Donald M. (2017-03-27). Historical Dictionary of Burma (Myanmar). Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 9781538101834.
- ^ a b "Myanmar's satirical chants are back". The Hindu. 2013-04-16. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
- ^ Mon, Ye (2019-05-11). "Young satirists behind bars". Frontier Myanmar. Retrieved 2023-02-28.
- ^ Khaing, Htun. "Thangyat under scrutiny as NLD goes back to the past". Frontier Myanmar. Retrieved 2017-08-31.
- ^ "Thangyat groups flout municipal order on programs". The Myanmar Times. Retrieved 2017-08-31.