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Researching into the performing arts in Laos brings you into many different territories of Lao culture such as Buddhism (since many of the dances are based on Buddhist stories), music and literature.

Unfortunately there isn't a great deal of published work on the performing arts in Laos. But of course I do have a few recommendations for you:

• An article/essay entitled Showcasing the Lao Performing Arts in the Post-Cold War Era by Therese Mahoney can be found in a book called New Laos, New Challenges (1998).
• Lan Xang Heritage Journal - may have a few articles on this topic (though this journal may be difficult to obtain outside of Laos).
• Another recommendation is to get in contact with a Lao individual who is very knowledgeable about Lao culture and its performing arts. Generally, these tend to be the older people (or elders). How do you do this, you may ask? Seek out the Lao community in your town, make friends, ask questions and explain your project to them and why you're interested. I'm sure they would be happy to share their knowledge. Also it might not hurt to bring a translator/friend if the person does not speak English well.

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This particular individual posed several questions which will be shown here on the Column in pieces. Here is this week's. For his other questions that he posed head to previous week's Column in the archives.

How is change viewed? Depends on who you ask. But I believe most people would say that change is good if its results are positive.

Though just like any group of people there are those who are more resistant to change or more rigid.

Howevever Lao people are very resilient. Most have been through a lot, including wars, immigrating, prejudice, etc. and most are able to adjust well. Of course Lao people value tradition a great deal as well though.