The ongoing battles and curfew order in Rakhine state have impacted a local performance troupe according to Rakhine State Thabin Organization.

People who earn their livelihood as performance artists in Rakhine State are facing different kinds of difficulties because of the unstable situation in the region. They cannot put on theatrical productions, U Tun Aye, manager of the Yadana Than Aung Theatre Troupe and secretary of the Rakhine State Thabin Organization, told the DMG.

“We cannot perform plays in the northern part of Rakhine State because of battles and the curfew order. We have to avoid volatile locations. So, performing our vocation has become problematic. Furthermore, no one is willing to encourage us to entertain,” U Tun Aye said.

The Yadana Than Aung theater troupe had to call off 16 shows this year because of regional instability in Rathedaung, Ponnagyun and Mrauk-U Townships.

Meanwhile, authorities could not grant permits to celebrate regional festivals with traditional entertainment in some regions of southern Rakhine State due to security issues. So, the present situation has made it difficult for thespians and other artists to earn a living, he added.

“Since we cannot perform our plays and appropriate permits have not been granted and we lack the support from people; we find ourselves in a dilemma about what to do right now,” he said.

There are 10 theatre troupes in Rakhine State this year and they annually perform their plays at pagoda festivals and other regional festivities in Rakhine State