Inwa School Troupe Tours for Tolerance
In a modern twist on tradition, Inwa School performers are taking a fresh repertoire of democracy-themed acts on the road. The tour was inspired by a grant from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). it continued under a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon.
In a country where ethnic diversity challenges unity, the shows aim to stimulate discussion of the positive values that underpin a cohesive society. Acts are themed on tolerance, inclusivity, and equality. By appealing to audiences through well-loved dramatic forms, the shows aim to reach across social divides in a common vernacular. The goal is to deepen democratic participation.
The grant supports Inwa School’s mission of keeping traditional arts alive and relevant in a rapidly modernizing society. We believe that a common cultural inheritance can reach people through a shared language of emotional and historical depth, and so be a powerful source of strength and unity.
Since pre-modern times, roving Myanmar theater troupes have spread common cultural values through story telling with dramatized moral lessons at the core. The Inwa School troupe shows have been extremely popular to date, demonstrating the vitality of Myanmar’s cultural wealth for a time of transition. More than 25 shows have been completed in locations across Myanmar, and more are in planning.
Our thanks go out to the University of London SOAS and its Global Research Network on Parliaments and People.
We thank the U.S. Embassy in Yangon for further grants for Building Bridges Through Democracy.
In a modern twist on tradition, Inwa School performers are taking a fresh repertoire of democracy-themed acts on the road. The tour was inspired by a grant from the University of London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). it continued under a grant from the U.S. Embassy in Yangon.
In a country where ethnic diversity challenges unity, the shows aim to stimulate discussion of the positive values that underpin a cohesive society. Acts are themed on tolerance, inclusivity, and equality. By appealing to audiences through well-loved dramatic forms, the shows aim to reach across social divides in a common vernacular. The goal is to deepen democratic participation.
The grant supports Inwa School’s mission of keeping traditional arts alive and relevant in a rapidly modernizing society. We believe that a common cultural inheritance can reach people through a shared language of emotional and historical depth, and so be a powerful source of strength and unity.
Since pre-modern times, roving Myanmar theater troupes have spread common cultural values through story telling with dramatized moral lessons at the core. The Inwa School troupe shows have been extremely popular to date, demonstrating the vitality of Myanmar’s cultural wealth for a time of transition. More than 25 shows have been completed in locations across Myanmar, and more are in planning.
Our thanks go out to the University of London SOAS and its Global Research Network on Parliaments and People.
We thank the U.S. Embassy in Yangon for further grants for Building Bridges Through Democracy.
