LIST OF ARTISTS - DANCE

SHWE MAN THABIN

Shwe Man Thabin features Myanmar’s greatest living dancers and musicians in zat-pwe performances that combine the resplendence of tradition with the immediacy of the present.

Founded more than 80 years ago by the late legendary dancer U Tin Maung, the dance theatre is now under the direction of his sons – star dancer U Chan Thar and dance master U Win Maung, and their nephew, the popular dancer Tin Maung San Min Win.

Zat-pwe is deeply rooted in the traditions of the country – Myanmar's monarchical past has imbued the zat-pwe with glorious music and songs as well as court dramas of great poetic beauty.

Many zats (stories or plots) are drawn from ancient Buddhist scriptures, but there is also a highly improvisational aspect to zat-pwe.

Zat-pwe performances incorporate elements of dance, music, singing, comedy and drama in an all-night cabaret. Dancers perform intricate and highly energetic sequences characterised by quick, agile movements and dramatic, angular poses.

Burmese dance draws inspiration from a range of creative sources, from marionettes, to the spirit realm, to birds in flight.

Subject to change