Feminine Frolics

Political satire was not the only item on the program of a stage performance in Chiang Mai by the Cho Lin Pyar troupe and members of the Burmese Women’s Union (BWU). One sketch that wowed a large audience at a Chiang Mai hotel hit home with a dig at the reputedly talkative nature of women.

In an encounter between a king and one of his ministers, the monarch is told that women are demanding a 30 percent participation in decision making.

Thwe Zin Toe (second left) and her colleagues from Burmese Women’s Union entertain an audience at the Grand View hotel in Chiang Mai. (Photo: The Irrawaddy)

“Why 30 percent?” asks the king.

“Because they have big mouths,” the minister replies—referring to the popular (male) prejudice that women are naturally loquacious.

The sketch also earned enthusiastic applause because the roles of the king and his minister were taken by two women—Thwe Zin Toe and Zin Mar Phyo.

The BWU event, which celebrated the organization’s 15th anniversary, brought together members and such professional entertainers as dancers Mya Sabe Ngon and comedian Zee Thee. BWU members Khin San Htwe and  Wint War Khine won applause as dancers in appearances with Zee Thee.

Much of the comedy in the program was directed at the women themselves and their role in politics and society. “The audience was laughing before we actually got going with our performance,” said Zin Mar Phyo, an assistant editor of Cho Lin Pyar’s journal.