Theatrical Performance

Daytime temperature has become higher and higher after February has come in. The change of weather is fast. Room temperature in the morning was 21-22 degree Celsius in January. But, in February it has become higher to 24-25 degree Celsius.

The season in Mandalay at the present is fall. There were many workers who were trying to clean fallen leaves on the both sides of roads. The scene of the smoke from burning these leaves is like autumn in Japan. I thought before that trees in southern countries are ever green ones. When I had a close study there are also trees that has only branches without leaves, half of them have red or yellow leaves and so on. In Japan, cold season is after fall. But, in Myanmar on contrary to Japan hot season comes after fall. I felt pleased of the strange place thinking the world is very wide.

I had to take a bath again on my return from morning stroll. On the road I saw a lot of Myanmar people in their heavy clothes. I felt upset thinking taht the hot dry season was going to come after very comfortable cold season. I felt a second voice said "how would you do if you were very weak in mind like this." I do not want to be old."

In Japan, since long time, there was feeling that "We feel sorry for past season". As for me who has no feeling of happiness, the expression that "How sorry we feel that spring has passed!" is just a style of composition. But now, it can be said that I feel misery and sorry for cold season that has already passed. I am surprised at the change of myself.

Let alone about the cold season in Mandalay. There are special festivals. There are a lot of theatres built quickly. Festivals last for about a week at a place. The other places where festivals take place are very close to the places before. So, I think that the festivals can be held at the same place and that is very strange. But, more surprising thing is that the shows are the whole night performance. It starts at about 10 pm and ends at 6 am the next morning. I felt unhappy that I could not have a chance to see the performance till the last day because I didn't know the place. But I had a chance very often to see the first part of performance.

When I go for a walk in the morning, I notice that there is a drama show. I thought that the show started early in the morning. I was surprised for the second time to know that the show starts at preverious night and ends in the morning. On the very first day, I was surprised thinking that a lot of garbage came out from theatres and road-side-shops in a single day. Later I realized that garbage become such a large amount for it started from previous night.

At the places where I usually go for a walk, I happen to see theatres. Therefore, I can get a chance to see the last part of performance for about 5 or 10 minutes during my walk. And I feel very happy. Although there are about two troupes that go around and perform. But, the part that I always get a chance to see is leading performer's saying goodbye. Some troupes have dance and some have not according to the troupes. When the head actor says goodbye female dancers in jumpers wait standing near him. It may be because of cold weather. On seeing the scene I thought that they are from country side. I came to know more about custom and the weather in Mandalay after seeing the show that I did not have a chance to see in Yangon. And I felt very pleased to get an opportunity to see such show.