Htwe Oo Myanmar performs a traditional marionette show.

Pic: Supplied

HTWE Oo Myanmar, a traditional marionette troupe based in Yangon, last week started holding daily shows at Happy World amusement park in Kandaw Mingalar Garden near the south entrance of Shwedagon Pagoda.

 

U Khin Maung Htwe, one of the founders of the troupe, said the traditional marionette shows are held daily starting at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm, with each show lasting 45 minutes.

 

He said the troupe was keeping the shows relatively short to maintain the interest of the audience.

 

“Based on our troupe’s experiences performing overseas this year, we have cut the amount of time dedicated to narration during the show because we’re afraid it might be boring for the audience,” he said.

 

“Narrations that give details about the meaning and purpose of the marionettes’ actions aren’t necessary for the show. These details can be printed in brochures so those who are interested can read about them,” U Khin Maung Htwe said.

 

The entry fee for the shows is K500 for locals and K5000 for foreigners, but a 50 percent discount will be offered through the end of November.

 

Foreigners who see the show with a tour group of at least five people can also get a 10 percent discount, U Khin Maung Htwe said.

 

“Also, anyone who presents a brochure advertising the show can enjoy a 20 percent discount,” he said.

 

U Khin Maung Htwe said he also plans to establish a museum that will showcase marionettes, books and other materials that will provide a comprehensive history of traditional marionette theatre in Myanmar.

 

“I would like to establish a museum similar to one I saw in Sweden earlier this year, which displayed puppets from around the world, books about them and even different costumes they wear,” he said.

 

“I’m sure having such a museum here would benefit the nation and would be interesting to people from other countries who want to know more about traditional marionette theatre in Myanmar,” he said.

 

The Htwe Oo Myanmar marionette troupe performed at puppet festivals in Sweden and Dubai earlier this year.