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 One of the most fascinating aspects of your trip to Myanmar will be attending a traditional marionette theatre performance. It is traditional in every way. The marionettes are made the same way they have been for centuries using solid wood, the same number of strings and the same patterns, designs, coloring, clothing and hand controls.
A Myanmar puppet play is a story told in music and dance. The traditional themes are drawn from the historic legends of the Ramayana and stories of the Buddha. Comic skits are usually incorporated by featuring funny situations and jokes by jesters and old men and women representing the voice of common folk.
Today, a complete set of marionettes if made up of about 30 puppets and operated by eight to 16 strings for each.
Look for the following or variations there of when you attend your first Myanmar Puppet Theatre presentation. After tuning up by the musicians there is a clash of cymbals, the sound of the gongs and the rumbling of the drums at the performance begins.
The various kind of puppet dances are: the spirit medium puppet (Natgadaw), (this is followed by a scenes of series with animal, ogres and alchemists),
Horse puppet (it makes its appearance flying over the backdrop and descending on the stage, traversing of three times, the horse then gallops over the backdrop), the monkey dance, the Alchemist or wizard (Zawgyi), (which is a mischievous demigod living in the forest).
Then also the drama for the kings, queens, ministers, page boys, clowns, princes and princesses is shown.
The art of puppetry was practiced in Myanmar as early as the mid 15th century and developed over the next 300 years to become accomplished enough to be part of court reception for visiting dignitaries.
Yes, you can buy these fascination marionettes from a number of venues, especially Bogyoke Aung San Market. The best marionettes come from Mandalay, the home of the art of Myanmar marionettes.
Enjoy Myanmar’s traditional marionettes shows and dances when you visit our lovely country, Myanmar!
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