SUPPORT ARTISTS IN MYANMAR

Dear Theatre Without Borders community,
 
The Thai Theatre Foundation has created a petition in support of the people and artists of Myanmar. They are asking us to share that petition with you.
 
Would your organization be able to sign? If not, could you please sign it as an individual? 
The Thai Theatre Foundation will submit the petition to the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok on April 8th to add more pressure to the military government.
 
The Thai Theatre Foundation is also raising money to support Thai and Myanmar artists (who, often times, are vocal critics of the dictators). Please consider donating on their Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/thaitheatrefoundation/posts/4030353340425304 
 
Although Thai Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)(3), donations are not tax-deductible in the US at this time as the fundraising hosts (BIPAM and B-Floor Theatre Group) are in Thailand.
 
Please help spread the word. Thank you so much!
 
Sent to TWB by:
Raksak Kongseng (she/they)
Operations Manager | Theatre Communications Group

PETITION:

Human rights violations in Myanmar continue to rise following a coup on February 1, 2021. According to several international news agencies, at least 550 civilians have been slaughtered thus far. Among these, Poet Kayza Win was shot and killed. Several other members of the Myanmar artistic community were arrested because of their artistic freedom of expression.

In response to the Call to the Global Creative Community to Show Solidarity with the People of Myanmar issued by 15 arts organizations in Myanmar, Thai Theatre Foundation (US) and Thai Theatre Foundation Working Group (Thailand) along with the following organizations and individuals have united to issue this statement of solidarity with the People of Myanmar and to defend their artistic freedom of expression.

We demand an immediate end to all cruelties.

We demand accountability for all the crimes unjustifiably committed against the People of Myanmar.

No one should be persecuted for their artistic expression.

Defending artistic freedom of expression transcends political party lines and international borders. It is a nonpartisan issue because once one person’s right is violated, everybody’s right is violated. It is vital that we stand up against injustice not only in Thailand, but also in Myanmar and throughout the world.

This petition will be submitted to the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Bangkok.

PAYPAL DONATIONS: bfloortheatre@gmail.com

"Burma Brings Iron Curtain Down on Stage Shows" from The Independent

The Independent

 The Independent World

Burma brings iron curtain down on stage shows

 

By Andrew Buncombe, Asia Correspondent

Wednesday, 13 October 2010

Par Par Lay from the 'Moustache Brothers'

REUTERS

Par Par Lay from the 'Moustache Brothers'

    The Burmese authorities are poised to ban all stage and theatre performances – often scenes of dissidence and criticism – ahead of elections planned for early next month.

     

    Reports in exiled media say the authorities are to use the excuse of security concerns to prohibit almost all performances during a period that is traditionally marked with festivals and events. Certain exceptions might be allowed for those able or willing to pay large sums for permits.

    Par Par Lay, a well-known Burmese comedian and a member of the Moustache Brothers troupe which is based in the northern city of Mandalay, told the Irrawaddy website: "I heard that they will not allow anyone to perform on stage at festivals, but they have not said why and have not yet officially announced the ban."

    The manager of another performing troupe in Mandalay said: "The authorities have told organisers to put up guarantees of about 1 million kyat (£630) if they want to have stage performances. They are making organisers responsible for security and will seize the deposit if there is any trouble."

    Comedy and theatre has long had a tradition of quiet dissent in Burma, a country where the only media is strictly controlled by the government. One of the country's best-known comics, Zarganar, spent many years making barbed puns about the regime. Eventually, in 2008, the junta ran out of patience with him and seized on an interview he had given to the BBC criticising the authorities' response after Cyclone Nargis and jailed him for 35 years.

    Members of the Moustache Brothers have been in and out of jail over the past two decades for their celebrated performances which sometimes poke fun at the junta.

    October and November see many Buddhist festivals across the country and troupes of artists who sing, dance and perform sketches are usually a regular sight. With an election due to take place on 7 November, the country's first poll for two decades, the authorities are doing all they can to keep a lid on dissent or criticism.

    More than 2,000 political prisoners remain behind bars, visas for tourists have been all but stopped and independent observers will not be invited to observe the poll, which many analysts believe will cement the position of the military.