While in Mandalay, we saw a couple of evening shows. On our first night, we visited the local garage of the Moustache Brothers. About 10 years ago, they were visited by a Lonely Planet writer, who enjoyed the show and wrote them up in the 'travelers bible'. So, now most foreign visitors to Mandalay who own a Lonely Planet go to see this show. It was their meal ticket for sure!
Now for some history on the show. Apparently, the repressive Myanmar Government banned the Moustache Brothers from performing in public to local people because of some political jokes they told. Brother #1 Par Par Ley (RHS) was actually jailed 7 years for telling jokes (there is actually a reference to this in the Hugh Grant movie 'About A Boy'). Ridiculous you might say, but that is how things are in Myanmar. So, the brothers went underground somewhat, and out of their garage they still perform the show to foreigners (apparently there is no ban on this.....yet!). So, they make jokes about how they are 'under surveillance' and hold up signs of all the different countries' secret agencies with photos of their customers!
The show itself was interesting. Brother #3 (Middle) was the MC and he was quite hilarious. He uses all the slangs of so many countries, and although it was sometimes quite hard to understand his English, he even spelt it out for us! They put on demonstrations of different costumes, local clothing, local dances with the help of wives and sisters, and local music. A good night out if you find yourself in Mandalay, and don't worry if you can't quite find the right garage, they will find you! *Stub
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