Thangyat
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Thangyat (Burmese: သံချပ်) is a Burmese performance art that blends traditional folk verse performances accompanied by the beat of traditional drums or a hsaing waing ensemble,[1] and interspersed with song, dance and chant routines,[2] and performed during festive occasions, particularly during Thingyan in the lead up to the Burmese New Year.[3]
Thangyat are often subversive, humorous, and satirical in nature, expressing social and political commentary and public opinion.[4] Following the 1962 Burmese coup d'état, thangyat performances were subject to censorship, with lyrics requiring pre-approval by a censorship board.[5] From 1974 to 2013, thangyat performances were banned by the Burmese government under the rationale that thangyat performances undermined national security.[3][4] Since 2013, the Burmese government has required thangyat troupes to submit lyrics to municipal thangyat committees for pre-approval.[6][7]
Thangyat performances are comparable to slam poetry, as performers use numerous poetic and narrative formulae, and employ traditional theatrical devices, such as shifting voices and tones.[1] A common format involves a call and answer segment between a lead performer called ataing (အတိုင်) and the chorus of followers called ahpauk (အဖောက်).[1] Thangyat performances are enjoyed for their wit and use of wordplay.[8]