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Boria is a theatrical performance that is rather popular at the Northern region of Peninsular Malaysia, especially at Penang Island. It has a combination of comedic sketch, song and dance segments and often feature popular songs rhythm such as twist, agogo, Hindi pop songs, pop and others. The performance often starts with the solo performance of tukang karang (storyteller), who shall sing and dance with a walking cane. The storyteller will be joined by a group of dancers—who are usually dressed up as sailors—and sing the song with dance movement in any group. Lyrics are carefully curated with comedy elements. The musical instruments used for Boria are violin, gambus, marwas, cymbal, gendang, accordion, harmonica and guitar. The props used include oil lamp, flag, keris, umbrella, manggar flower and walking cane.

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Boria is a traditional arts form that is very popular in northern Peninsular Malaysia, linked to the Karbala event that is the killing of Saidina Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. Boria, meaning ‘a game of merriment’, was established in Penang Island in the 19th century. There are parties that claim that Boria was brought by the Indian Muslims into Malaya through business activities in the 19th century. Boria is an entertainment channel combining sketches and dances as well as poetic songs led by a singer called ‘Tukang Karang’, literally translated as ‘Storyteller’. A performance has two segments that are sketches and songs. The dialogues for sketches are full of advice and insinuation while comedy elements are considered important. During a performance sometimes the audience can interact with the actors. The musical instruments are not specific; more important is the musicians’ ability to play rhythms that can accompany the Tukang Karang’s song. Among the instruments are violin, oud, drum, accordion, harmonica and guitar, while commonly used props are lamp, flag, kris, umbrella, tall decorative flowers and walking stick. Previously Boria’s costume is resemblance of the Mamak (Indian-Muslim) ethnic; green belt with sarong and fez to maintain ethnic identity. This identity is experiencing evolution since the 1970s with its costume made uniformed using bright colours with sequin to portray merriment. Nowadays, Boria performances are greatly influenced by western, Hindustani and pop rhythms.