Traditional Malaysian theatrical song and dance. It arose in the Malay-dominated court of what is now Southern Thailand, before being brought to Kelantan on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula more than 200 years ago.

In the past, it was a popular among common folk in the rural villages of Malaysia’s northeast coastal area and southern Thailand and was performed for both entertainment and as a form of medical treatment. The performers are mainly women, who gracefully move their fingers, hands, and arms as they sing and dance.

It was added on the Representative List of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2005.

“Mak Yong Sembah Guru featuring Kumpulan Mak Yong Cahaya Matahari”

This performance was held for three nights,in conjunction with the ceremony of blessingof knowledge to Rohana and her sisters.

Producer: PUSAKA (Eddin Khoo, Pauline Fan)

Documentation: Maran Perianen, Navin Perianen, Jes Ebrahim, Wong Horngyih

Recorded Date: 23 Aug. 2016

Venue: Kuala Besut Terengganu

(Description)

I   Ritual part (0:00 - 0:30)

II Drama/Story part (0:30 - end)

0:00-0:30

Musical prelude for the purpose of ‘gerak angin’ (stirring the inner winds) among performers and audience

0:30 - 0:47 (Pak Yong and the clown scene)

Pak Yong summons the ‘pengasuh’ (courtier, played by a ‘peran’ comedian).

0:47 - 1:06 (scene of two clowns)

Second ‘pengasuh’ (courtier) enters. Then the King tells both courtiers his plans to marry his younger sister, Puteri Bongsu, and sends them to convey his proposal to the princess.

1:06 – to the end (after a woman joins)

Puteri Bongsu enters with her chamber maid. Later, the pengasuh enter and convey the King’s wish to marry the princess.

The story is known as Raja Saksena. It is set in the istana (royal palace) of Raja Saksena in the Kingdom of Derdak Muda. Raja Saksena wishes to become a powerful ruler and snatch the throne from his younger brother Raja Muda. As part of his plot, Raja Saksena plans to marry his younger sister, Puteri Bongsu. He tells his courtiers of his plans and sends them to convey his proposal to the princess. The princess is shocked and upset by her elder brother’s request, and she rejects his proposal.

The dialogue is improvised, but the performers know the story and characters deeply.