Curfew, instability affects traditional Zat Pwe troupes in Arakan State

By Khaing Roe La 13 Oct 2019

Khaing Roe La | DMG
13 October, Sittwe
 
No traditional Zat Pwe troupe entertained audiences this year since a new curfew was imposed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. in some townships in Arakan State as a result of armed conflicts between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA), U Tun Aye, Secretary of the Arakan State Zat Thabin Association told the DMG.
 
Fighting between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA) has being erupting in Arakan State since early December 2018. The clashes led to difficult situations for owners of the traditional Zat Pwe troupe, according to the Arakan State Zat Thabin Association.
 
“Performers and owners of the traditional Zat Pwe troupe face financial losses due to ongoing clashes in Arakan State. Although there are many pagoda festivals and funerals in Arakan State, we can’t hold the traditional Zat Pwe events. The artists are experiencing troubles because the owners of the traditional Zat Pwe troupe suffered financial losses last year,” he said.
 
There are more than 10 traditional Zat Pwe troupes and 200 dancers in Arakan State who earn their living by performing. They may encounter a scarcity of employment and may have to change occupations, artists said.
 
U Tun Aye continued that, “We couldn’t reorganize our traditional Zat Pwe troupe named “Yadanar Than Aung because we suffered a loss of around Ks. 40 million last year”.
 
Arakanese people are unable to celebrate auspicious days and hold popular Zat Pwe Thabin due to worsening security and the curfew.
 
Clashes between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA) are ongoing in nine out of 17 townships in Arakan State and a curfew has been imposed in Buthidaung, Maungdaw, Rathedaung, Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Minbya and Mrauk-U Townships.

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