Strings Attached

Insight Myanmar

Episode #304: In this episode, we bring together three guests who share stories of resilience, artistry, and the transformative power of creative expression when faced with the challenges of displacement and conflict.

Elisabeth Win, the Outreach Coordinator of Joy House, discusses its role as a safe space for Burmese refugees in Thailand, focusing on psychosocial support through music, art, and vocational training. She highlights Joy House’s efforts to bridge cultural gaps between the Thai host community and Burmese refugees by providing free classes and outreach programs in local schools. Elisabeth also explains the challenges refugees face, including legal insecurity and cultural adjustment, and the importance of fostering goodwill with the Thai community.

Phoe San shares his journey as a violinist and music teacher who fled Myanmar after the coup due to his activism, including leading a violin protest movement. Despite challenges, he continues to teach violin online and in Thai refugee communities, emphasizing the instrument's expressive and therapeutic potential. He reflects on using music to memorialize victims of the military’s violence, sharing a poignant story of playing at the site of a friend’s death. Phoe San sees a healing power in music which can help displaced individuals, and he highlights the transformative power of art in conflict zones.

Daniel Saw recounts his escape from Myanmar following the military coup, detailing the dangers of crossing into Thailand with his family. Now a music producer and teacher, he gives piano lessons and vocal classes to support himself and displaced communities. Daniel reflects on the importance of art in emotional healing and self-expression, noting that music fosters resilience and offers a creative outlet for trauma relief.