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The weekly radio show, now in its eighth series, is set in a busy tea shop on the outskirts of Yangon. Listeners are treated to funny, heart-warming and realistic storylines acted out by a diverse ensemble of characters including tea-shop owners, their friends, their children, the tea master, a cook and waiters. Although the drama is entirely fictional, it’s inspired by real stories and extensive Â鶹ԼÅÄ Media Action research.

Myanmar tea shops

Teashops in Myanmar have a reputation for inclusivity, welcoming people from all walks of life and backgrounds. They provide a space to share a cup of tea, some food, and exchange opinions, problems, hopes, and dreams. Within this familiar setting, drama helps listeners think about, share and explore new ideas and personal experiences.

Tea Cup Diaries aims to increase audiences’ understanding, openness and respect for people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds in Myanmar. The drama portrays a range of different characters and relationships within the family, within friendships, the workplace and the neighbourhood to model realistic examples of conflict resolution, critical thinking and social harmony.

Over four million listeners

The Tea Cup Diaries is broadcast in Burmese language, in partnership with MRTV’s Myanmar Radio - reaching an estimated 4.3 million listeners in towns and villages across the country. On air since May 2015, the programme features a strong  and is available to .

The project has also partnered with local civil society and development organisations to run weekly listener groups for villages in rural areas to encourage community discussion about themes and issues.

Project information