Season 8 · Episode 1

Asia Insight: Democracy Through Laughter: Myanmar

For nearly half a century starting in 1962, Myanmar was under military rule. Criticism of the government was brutally suppressed. Political satire was the one of only voices citizens had to call for democracy. One person leading the satirical movement is Pan Thee. Political satire was once permitted in the country under the Burmese monarchy, but military rule turned even traditional satire into a target, forcing Pan Thee to flee abroad to continue his work. Even after the change in government of 2016, the army wields enormous political power in Myanmar. Pan Thee has returned home and is helping young performers make the call for true democracy. How have comedians used satire to drive a political movement? Trace Myanmar's route to democracy through laughter.