6 Best Performing Arts Venues in Myanmar

Within a pocket-size theater, local puppeteer Aung (who is also a cab driver) puts on a nightly half-hour show in which he showcases his skills. It's cute and very entertaining, a nice evening activity in a place where there aren't any. Aung knows exactly what he's doing and his marionettes have the audience in constant giggles. On the premises is a puppet shop with marionettes and other souvenirs. Reservations are essential for the show.

Ma Ma Naing and Naing Yee Mar founded this theater in 1986 and, in 2000, performed in France, the Netherlands, and the United States. The team also works with NGOs to put on puppet shows that aim at improving AIDS awareness. The expert manipulators here use colorful marionettes to tell classic Burmese tales, including love stories and one about a flying alchemist. Read the program so you understand more about what you're watching. The hour-long show starts nightly from 8:30 pm.

Accompanied by eight musicians, seven talented dancers kitted out in bright costumes perform classical Burmese routines. Twelve dances are on the rotating program, which changes nightly and highlights Myanmar's variety of traditional dances. The lively, colorful show runs an hour and kids who can sit for that long will certainly be entertained. The performance starts at 8:30 pm.

For this comedic trio, two brothers (Par Par Lay and Lu Maw) and a cousin (Lu Zaw), an Independence Day gig at Aung San Suu Kyi’s compound in 1996 turned serious. Par Par and Lu Maw were arrested for their political satire and jokes and served seven years in prison. Brother Lu Maw kept the show going until their release, but later in 2007, group leader Par Par Lay served a month in prison. Though he passed away in 2013, the Moustache Brothers still perform as a duo to this day. Expect a mix of music, dance, satire, and screwball comedy.

This nonprofit works to promote young Myanmar artists and to bring together artists and the community at large. New Zero hosts regular exhibitions, seminars, and workshops on art and film. Friday to Sunday from 4 to 6 pm there are free art classes (donations accepted) for children and adults. The space also has a small library with books and films about Myanmar's art scene. When it has the funds, New Zero also runs an artist-in-residence program to encourage Burmese artists to meet those from abroad.

Vibrant paintings by local artists pack the walls at this gallery, which opened in 2008 and has frequently rotating exhibitions. The gallery is more than just a place where art hangs and is sold; it's a gathering place for Burmese artists both established and rising, as well as Yangon's expats and tourists. On Tuesday nights from 7:30 pm, Pansodan hosts a weekly gathering, with snacks, drinks, and usually one or two people playing guitar. The event is free, but donations are welcome.