President and Spouse Appreciate 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition

 

26 October 2026

President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar U Min Aung Hlaing and his wife, Daw Kyu Kyu Hla, attended and watched the competitions at the 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition held at the Hsinbyushin Hall and the Pobbathiri’s Station Gymnasium in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday.

They were accompanied by Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services and Commander-in-Chief (Army) General Kyaw Swa Lin, Union Minister for Culture, Hotels and Tourism U Khin Maung Soe, who is Chairman of the Leading Organizing Committee for the 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competitions, other Union ministers, senior military officers from the Office of the Commander-in-Chief, the Nay Pyi Taw Command commander, judges, supervisors, contestants from regions and states, ethnic brethren, civil servants and their families, and members of the public interested in the performing arts.

The President, his wife and accompanying officials watched the amateur second-grade men’s dance competition at Hsinbyushin Hall. Contestants representing various regions and states performed individually, demonstrating mastery of head, body, arm and leg movements in time with the music and rhythm, as well as their costumes, facial expressions and graceful stage presence.

They then proceeded to the Pobbathiri’s Station Gymansium to watch the amateur second-grade men’s piano competition. Contestants representing the regions and states performed the song “Chit Thahmya Ko” (Pat Pyo), demonstrating their musical skills in melodious and enjoyable performances.

After the competitions, the President and his wife warmly greeted the expert judges responsible for evaluating the respective events, the contestants and the spectators who had come to support them.

In the evening, the President and his wife, accompanied by Vice-President U Nyo Saw and his wife, Vice-President Nan Ni Ni Aye, Pyithu Hluttaw Speaker U Khin Yi and his wife, Union-level dignitaries, Union ministers and their wives, and other officials, attended the performance of the “Widhura” epic drama, one of the Ten Great Birth Stories of the Buddha, at the open-air theatre of the Nay Pyi Taw Development Committee City Hall. The performance was part of the 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition.

The President and spouse first warmly greeted the maestros serving on the judge panel for the epic drama competition.

They later joined the audience to watch the epic drama “Vidhura”, performed by the Thabin Marn Hohn Shwe Yangon troupe representing Yangon Region.

The contestants presented original dramatic texts, poetic verses, Yatu poems and moral teachings, together with traditional dances and performances. In line with the story’s different moods and developments, they incorporated traditional Pat Pyo, Kyo and instrumental-accompanied songs. They demonstrated the art of singing through Yatu, Yakan and Layhsit verse forms, the art of crying to portray sorrow and grief, and the art of speaking in ways that captivate listeners.

The performers followed the script with proper phrasing and pauses, preserving the conventions of traditional Myanmar theatre while combining them with creative elements.

The Vidhura epic is the ninth of the Ten Great Birth Stories of the Buddha. The performance aims to help audiences understand the benefits of wisdom founded on pure and upright moral conduct; learn about the four principles of Sadhunara and put them into practice; recognize the dangers and adverse consequences of gambling and avoid such activities; and cultivate the virtues and the seven noble treasures by watching and appreciating the Vidhura epic.

The 27th Traditional Myanmar Cultural Performing Arts Competition is currently being held grandly at designated venues for the various competition categories. Contestants from regions and states are showcasing their artistic talents, while enthusiasts of the performing arts are attending to watch and support the performances.

More than 2,400 contestants from regions and states are taking part in the competitions, which will continue until 29 October. — MNA/ST