Mandalay Solo Art Exhibition features marionette show, traditional Myanmar Orchestra

A solo art exhibition featuring the ancient custom of marionette performance by puppeteers and traditional Myanmar orchestra will be held in Mandalay, says the Siripaccaya Art Gallery.
The art exhibition titled “Marionette Show”, which will be held from 23 to 24 March at the Hotel Mandalay on 78th Street, and between 37th and 38th streets, will showcase the works of the late U Zaw Win (Thit Htwin).
“To the east of the art show, there will be a marionette show. It is a sideshow to the art exhibition. While the artworks are being displayed, a marionette show is also arranged for the children who have been missing it for a long time. We are organizing all the features of a traditional Myanmar marionette show,” said Ko Hla Myo, founder of the Siripaccaya Art Gallery.
Despite the title “Marionette Show”, the exhibition goes beyond art, and visitors can learn about the broader aspects of puppetry, as well as art, and there will be some programmes for the children.
“What we are planning for the show is 1) a marionette show, 2) the target audience is the children, and as many gifts as possible will be provided to the participating children, 3) they can enjoy an authentic puppet show (with a real Myanmar orchestra, real puppets, real singing, real lamenting and real drama talks according to the old traditional agenda), 4) publication of a commemorative booklet in limited numbers, 5) a food stall with free food for the children (including Kho Taung noodle salad, steamed sticky rice, fries and fritters and steamed rice cake), and 6) a workshop-style demonstration of puppet carving, puppet painting, and puppet stringing (professionals will demonstrate how they carve, paint and string puppets in their daily routine),” said the Siripaccaya Art Gallery. — Thit Taw/ZN/ED