Myanmar’s satirical poets accuse authorities of censoring New Year tradition in name of ‘averting ethnic or religious conflict’
- Thangyat is a mix of comedy and slam poetry set to drums, and has sparked controversy with troupes in Yangon saying the first democratic government in 50 years forced them to submit lyrics to a censor panel
In a classroom on the outskirts of Myanmar’s biggest city, a thin, bespectacled university student led about a dozen peers in boisterous chants of “Censorship is a shame!” and “We don’t believe in censorship!”
It was the final rehearsal of a troupe performing “thangyat”, a centuries-old custom allowing free rein to satirise rulers and society during New Year celebrations that began on Saturday.
The tradition, featuring a mix of comedy and slam poetry set to drums, has sparked controversy this year, with troupes in Yangon, the commercial capital, saying the first democratic government in 50 years forced them to submit lyrics to a censor panel.
“We founded the thangyat in order to serve as the people’s messengers to the government,” said the student, 20-year-old Thant Zin.
