麻豆社

Pascale Harter introduces two stories about ingenious ways around political repression. Tim Franks finds out why group jogging can be seen as subversive in Bujumbura - even though the Burundian President, Pierre Nkurunziza, is a keen sporting man himself, as a regular player (and goal-scorer) for local Hallelujah FC. And in Rangoon and Mandalay, Kirsty Cockburn hears how traditional "thyan chat" poetry is still speaking truth to power, despite decades of censorship by Burma's military rulers. With biting lyrics, punchy choruses and feisty attitude, the genre's strongly reminiscent of rap - and it's now winning over a new generation of fans.

(Photo: Burmese poet Kawlinn performs - complete with 'bunny ears' headgear. 2014. (c) 麻豆社)