Myanmar Authenticity expects warm welcome

With the ASEAN-Korea Center unveiling its fourth ASEAN Culture and Tourism Fair this week, much attention is being drawn to a dance troupe from Myanmar, called Myanmar Authenticity.

The country that used to be a thorn in the ASEAN community’s side has ended a dark chapter by opening up itself.

The national heroine Aung San Suu Kyi was in Thailand last week, her first trip outside the country in 24 years. World leaders including President Lee Myung-bak flocked to the country, meeting her to congratulate the change she ushered in and exploring new opportunities.

A highlight performance by Myanmar Authenticity will be “Zawgyi,”the Alchemist Dance by a marionette, said an official at the center.

Zawgyi is a Burmese folk character, believed to have acquired his supernatural power through occult means. The dance will depict Zawgyi’s journey into a forest.

Myanmar Authenticity’s visit is distant from politics, but the official anticipated a warm reception by Korean audiences for the group.

A list of other performers include Irama Bahtera from Brunei; the Khmer Artist Association from Cambodia; Ayodya Pala from Indonesia; the National Art Troupe from Laos; Mal Dancer from Malaysia; Liceo Folkloric Dance Troupe from the Philippines; Little Red Dot from Singapore; Ploy Pailin Dance Troop from Thailand; and Ensemble Art Viet Au Co from Vietnam.

The first performance will be in Yeosu, Wednesday. On Friday, performers will put together a show for VIP guests at the National Museum of Korea, then participate in the fair on Saturday and Sunday at D-Cube Park, D-Cube City in Shindorim, Seoul.

Visitors will taste Southeast Asian food and drinks, as well. Those who plan a trip to the region will be able to find information about tourism destinations.

For further information about the fair and the center, visit the website: www.aseankorea.org. <Korea Times/Kim Se-jeong>

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