Traditional all-night performances are drawing large crowds on the outskirts of Myanmar’s biggest city as the military government allows select artists to return to the stage, even while the country remains locked in a prolonged civil war.
On a recent Sunday before dawn, performer U Than Zaw Htwe addressed an audience of roughly 800 after completing an eight-hour show in an open field outside Yangon, per the New York Times. The performance marked the end of another overnight zat pwe production, a traditional opera-style art form that blends music, dance, comedy, and folklore.
“Regardless of any difficulties you face, one day, summer will come,” Than Zaw Htwe, 30, told the crowd. He performs under the stage name San Yay Moe and leads a 70-member troupe formed in October. His shows, which typically run from late evening until morning, are booked months in advance and have gained wide attention on Burmese social media platforms.
Myanmar has been under military rule since a 2021 coup that toppled the elected government. Since then, the junta has faced armed resistance across much of the country. Despite the ongoing conflict, authorities have permitted some cultural events to resume in urban areas under government control, including traditional music festivals, night bazaars, and zat pwe performances.
The revival of these shows has coincided with a broader push by the military government to present an image of stability. Elections organized by the junta have been widely criticized as illegitimate, while large public festivals and entertainment events have been allowed to proceed in cities.
Another prominent performer, U Chit Myo Htike, known by his stage name Phoe Chit, has also returned to the stage after a six-year hiatus. At a recent show near Yangon, he urged audiences to “live in the present.” His performances routinely last through the night and attract devoted crowds who sing along and wave handkerchiefs and phones.
Earlier this month, Phoe Chit, 43, received a distinguished artist award from Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government. In 2022, Phoe Chit was briefly detained amid reports that authorities suspected him of supporting armed resistance, though no charges were announced. He said his troupe resumed performing last year after receiving official approval.
Tickets for zat pwe performances range from 30,000 to 60,000 kyats, or about $14 to $28, a significant cost in a country where average monthly wages are estimated at around $75.
On a recent Sunday before dawn, performer U Than Zaw Htwe addressed an audience of roughly 800 after completing an eight-hour show in an open field outside Yangon, per the New York Times. The performance marked the end of another overnight zat pwe production, a traditional opera-style art form that blends music, dance, comedy, and folklore.
“Regardless of any difficulties you face, one day, summer will come,” Than Zaw Htwe, 30, told the crowd. He performs under the stage name San Yay Moe and leads a 70-member troupe formed in October. His shows, which typically run from late evening until morning, are booked months in advance and have gained wide attention on Burmese social media platforms.
Myanmar has been under military rule since a 2021 coup that toppled the elected government. Since then, the junta has faced armed resistance across much of the country. Despite the ongoing conflict, authorities have permitted some cultural events to resume in urban areas under government control, including traditional music festivals, night bazaars, and zat pwe performances.
The revival of these shows has coincided with a broader push by the military government to present an image of stability. Elections organized by the junta have been widely criticized as illegitimate, while large public festivals and entertainment events have been allowed to proceed in cities.
Another prominent performer, U Chit Myo Htike, known by his stage name Phoe Chit, has also returned to the stage after a six-year hiatus. At a recent show near Yangon, he urged audiences to “live in the present.” His performances routinely last through the night and attract devoted crowds who sing along and wave handkerchiefs and phones.
Earlier this month, Phoe Chit, 43, received a distinguished artist award from Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government. In 2022, Phoe Chit was briefly detained amid reports that authorities suspected him of supporting armed resistance, though no charges were announced. He said his troupe resumed performing last year after receiving official approval.
Tickets for zat pwe performances range from 30,000 to 60,000 kyats, or about $14 to $28, a significant cost in a country where average monthly wages are estimated at around $75.
