Regional instability impacts Arakanese theatre troupes

30 Jul 2019

Aung Htein | DMG
29 July, Sittwe

The ongoing armed conflicts between the Tatmadaw and the AA in Arakan State hinders establishing theatre troupes, the secretary of the Arakan State Thabin Organization told the DMG.

The clashes in northern Arakan State disrupt regional stability and a curfew order has been imposed in some townships, this creates difficulties for local performance troupes.

“Nine townships in Arakan State are unstable, so venues for Thabin troupes to put on theatrical productions are decreasing. In addition, the curfew order is also an obstacle for thespians to earn their living,” said U Tun Aye, secretary of the Arakan State Thabin Organization.

Owners of the Thabin troupe also said that they will restructure theatrical troupes when the region regains stability, but there was little possibility to establish Thabin troupe because of the current situation. 

Members of theatre world might suffer serious privations if Thabin troupe cannot be established, said Ko Naing Win Khant, director of Yadanar Than Aung troupe.

“If we cannot establish the Thabin troupe, my people become jobless. Those who earn income only from performances will be worse off than other people,” he said.

Theatrical troupes were impeded to perform plays last opening season due to the continuous fighting between the Tatmadaw and the AA and owners were facing a tough time, according to Thabin troupe owners.

“We have to cancel our performances because we were not granted permit due to regional instability. We had a loss of MMK40 million (USD 26666),” said U Tun Aye, who is also manager of Yadanar Than Aung troupe.

There are more than ten Thabin troupes in Arakan State such as Yadanar Than Aung, Shwe Pyi Soe, Sein Shwe Yadanar and Hein Yadanar Aung.