Overview:
Arts Mandalay Foundation...Inwa School of Performing Arts...the Mintha Theater
Arts Mandalay Foundation supports authentic arts performances in the diverse traditions of Myanmar,
and the passing of skills from master to apprentice in the nextgeneration of artists.
Arts Mandalay Foundation was established in 2013 to provide continuity for traditional performing arts in Myanmar at a time of transition. New teaching facilities and private funding for the arts were needed as an older government funding model was retired. Arts Mandalay founders collaborated with the Mandalay Pwe Association, classically trained Pantra teachers, and other arts organizations to find a way forward. The foundation decided to create a boarding school where high school-aged youths would undergo the rigorous training required to become a Mintha or Minthami (prince or princess) of the stage-- and so preserve a beautiful and meaningful cultural heritage.
See our current status in the Letter from the Executive Director...
Meet the Arts Mandalay Board of Directors ...
Read "Why We Need an Arts School " ...
Inwa School of Performing Arts
The Inwa School of Performing Arts was established in 2015 to teach professional quality performing arts, plus general education subjects, to talented teens. Located in Myanmar’s culture capital of Mandalay, the school recruits aspiring young performers from across Myanmar. The instructors, who are national cultural treasures, teach the dance, music, and theatrical arts that are part of the ceremonies and festivals that define traditional Burmese culture. Academic subjects are taught in collaboration with the Phaung Daw Oo School. Donors provide full scholarships with room and board for the three-year program.
Read about Inwa School of Performing Arts...
Meet Inwa School Leaders...
Mintha Theater
The Mintha Theater is closed while international travelers are deterred by unsafe conditions and "do not travel" alerts from the U.S. State Department and other nations.
The Mintha Theater, showcasing Myanmar performing arts for visiting audiences played to rave reviews from 2006 - 2020, reaching #1 in TripAdvisor's recommendations for "Things to do in Mandalay". Audiences loved its nightly repertoire of Burmese folk, court, and Buddhist stories performed with traditional acrobatic dance, costume, and musical accompaniment. The Lonely Planet, Myanmar Times, Routard Guides, and Trip Advisor all recommended the shows for their authenticity and dazzle.
Read more about the Mintha Theater ...
The Mintha Theater, showcasing Myanmar performing arts for visiting audiences played to rave reviews from 2006 - 2020, reaching #1 in TripAdvisor's recommendations for "Things to do in Mandalay". Audiences loved its nightly repertoire of Burmese folk, court, and Buddhist stories performed with traditional acrobatic dance, costume, and musical accompaniment. The Lonely Planet, Myanmar Times, Routard Guides, and Trip Advisor all recommended the shows for their authenticity and dazzle.
Read more about the Mintha Theater ...
