Comedians like Myauk Shone (pictured) are eager to participate in TV show ‘Golden Cup for Comedians’ as a means of launching their careers. Pic: Supplied

FOR comedians looking to get a foothold in the comedy industry, there is often no better start than television show lu shwin taw shwe pha lar (The Golden Cup for Comedians). In a testament to the show’s booming success, a film has also been made using comedians from the show.

“As soon as I heard there is a competition for comedians, I bought application forms, costing K1500 and participated regardless of the prize,” said Aung Thaw, whose group took 2nd prize in the comedy show.

For young comedians like him, the weekly competition, broadcast into homes all over Myanmar, can help launch a career.

“A perfect opportunity will come to those who keep trying. I want to encourage young people who want to become comedians to keep trying their best in their chosen field,” he added.

Myauk Shone, another 2nd prize winner in the TV show who began his career entertaining in zat pwe (a traditional Myanmar theatrical performance that includes music), tells a similar story.

“I always wanted to work as a professional comedian but it took me years to get a foot in the door, now I have landed on my feet, doing my hobby thanks to my previous experience.” he said.

“When the lu shwin taw shwe pha lar competition opened, it created a lot of opportunities for us and we have had the chance to meet with film crews and be recognised by audiences on screen,” he added.

The format of the television show mirrors the open, often unpredictable nature of comedy. Comedians perform in groups, taking turns to crack jokes before a studio audience. Veteran comedians judge the best groups who then proceed to the next round where the whole process starts again until the number of groups is whittled down to a winner. The show, now in its 2nd year, is proving ever more popular with Myanmar audiences.

So popular in fact that five winning comedians were cast in an anyeint film entitled “shwe pha lar star anyeint” (Gold Cup Star Dancing Troupe). Anyeint is a traditional Myanmar form of entertainment that alternates music and dance with jokes, amidst the raucous sounds of xylophone, gongs, cymbals and oboe. Famous actresses May Than Nu and Yadanar Khin both danced in anyeint.

“I warmly welcome the younger generation as they will replace the older comedians in the movie industry. They all worked well in my movie,” said director Hla San Oo.

For young comedians like San Linn, who received a 3rd prize and a prize for best comedian in the “No obscene words” category, acting in the film is the next step in his career.

“[The competition] helps us and our future career prospects look bright. Now I can concentrate on my career,” he said.