Thangyat

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, and interspersed with song, dance and chant routines, and performed during festive occasions, particularly during Thingyan in the lead up to the Burmese New Year.

Thangyat are often subversive, humorous, and satirical in nature, expressing social and political commentary and public opinion. Following the 1962 Burmese coup d'état, thangyat performances were subject to censorship, with lyrics requiring pre-approval by a censorship board. From 1974 to 2013, thangyat performances were banned by the Burmese government under the rationale that thangyat performances undermined national security. Since 2013, the Burmese government has required thangyat troupes to submit lyrics to municipal thangyat committees for pre-approval.