Unit 1.2

Overview and Learning Outcomes

In this unit, we will examine Buddhist perspectives, LGBTQ+ perspectives, and ethnomusicological perspectives on Burmese Spirit Mediumship. Materials for this unit include a recorded conversation between Dr. Meeker and Ne Myo Aung, an interview of Lindsey Merrison, director of the film Friends in High Places, and a viewing of the film Friends in High Places. (Please note this film will only be available to stream between March 1 and March 12).

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. Describe the difference between how musicians perceive the role of music (Nat kyin) in the Nat pwe (spirit mediumship ceremonies) and how the Nat kadaw (spirit mediums) perceive the role of music.
  2. Describe the classical and popular musical influences on Nat kyin.
  3. Identify the reasons Nat kadaw and others give for why they become spirit mediums and describe how Burmese culture influences their practices and beliefs.
  4. Reflect on the role of LGBTQ spirit mediums in Burmese society and how religious beliefs and practices shape that role.

Lectures

Lecture 1.2a – Nat Pwe in Contemporary Burma: Ethnomusicological and Other Perspectives (Ne Myo Aung and Lauren Meeker)

 

Lecture 1.2b – Kit Young and Lauren Meeker Interview of Lindsey Merrison (Director, Friends in High Places)

Film

Friends in High Places. Dir. Lindsey Merrison. 88 min. Documentary Educational Resources, 2001.

[The link to this film will be available from March 1-12, 2021. Students should email Dr. Meeker for the password]

Review Questions

  1. What are some of the difference between how musicians perceive the role of music (Nat kyin) in the Nat pwe and how the Nat kadaw perceive the role of music? What might these differences tell us about how religious music is experienced by different constituents?
  2. Ne Myo Aung describes the often raucous (like a disco) and highly flexible incorporation of popular music into Burmese spirit mediumship ceremonies. Reflect on your own religious background (if any) or a religious form you are familiar with and think about the relationship between religious expression and different forms of contemporary or popular culture. How do (or don’t) religion and culture work together to make religious experience more effective and powerful for those who practice it?
  3. In the film Friends in High Places, why do Nat kadaw claim that gay male spirit mediums are the most effective mediums? What cultural influences do you think underpin these ideas?