ALL
comedy
ICH Elements 3
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Boria
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.
Malaysia -
Menora
Menora, also known as Nora Chatri, is a folk dance-drama tradition practiced by the Thai community in the north Malaysian states of Kelantan, and Kedah, as well as throughout southern Thailand. A Menora performance incorporates stylised dance, singing, comedy, and drama. Ritual elements are strong in this performance tradition, which is often performed on special occasions such as Buddhist temple ceremonies and the initiation or coming of age rites of a dancer. Menora is also held at community gatherings such as weddings and public festivals.The word Menora derives from a Buddhist jataka tale about Menora, a heavenly bird-princess who falls in love with a human prince, Phra Suthon. This tale forms the basis of the tradition’s main dance sequence in which the principal dancer, as Phra Suthon, performs a courting dance with Menora and her heavenly sisters. Dance movements are characterised by backward-bent fingers and outstretched arms, alternating subtle and sudden gestures that are said to reflect those of a mythical bird. The opening dance is followed by a lakon (dramatic sequence), during which various stories are performed by the principal dancer, a pair of clowns and supporting actors. In Kelantan, the Menora has incorporated many characteristics of Kelantanese Malay traditions, particularly the Mak Yong. The musical instruments of Menora usually comprise of gendang, geduk, gedumbak, gong, canang, kesi, wooden clappers, and serunai.
Malaysia -
Ghazal Parti
Ghazal Parti is a combined performance of music, songs, dance and comedy that obtained its influences from the Middle East. Its songs have elements of Arabian rhythm with lyrics in Arabic and Malay. The word ‘Parti’ means the ‘merriment of the ghazal performance’. This arts form expanded in the states of Penang Island, Kedah and Perak in Peninsular Malaysia. Ghazal Parti is often performed at wedding events in the village and at official ones in the city. In wedding events the performance starts from early evening to midnight and sometimes stretches to dawn. A performance in a wedding event is inside a reception hall that faces the newly-wed couple’s house so that the couple’s family members and guests can watch the show. There are eight to 12 musicians depending on the availability of musical instruments that are an accordion, two violins, an oud, a flute, bass guitar, drum, hand-held drum, bongo, tambourine, and maracas. The singers possess academic background in Arabic; some studied at private or public religious schools. The songs are Arabian in Arabic rhythms originating from Egypt. In the beginning the dancers were men in ladies’ clothing wearing scarf, batik sarong and baju kurung with thin make-up, as ladies were not allowed to become dancers. In the 1950s there appeared dancers among the transgender. Another component in Ghazal Parti is comedy that functions to fill in the break time of the musicians and singers. In a performance they rest twice to thrice and it is at this juncture the space is utilized by the comedians bringing themes of current issues.
Malaysia
ICH Materials 4
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Boria
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.
Malaysia -
Boria
Boria is a theatrical performance that is rather popular at the Northern region ofnPeninsular Malaysia, especially at Penang Island. It has a combination of comedicnsketch, song and dance segments and often feature popular songs rhythm such asntwist, agogo, Hindi pop songs, pop and others. The performance often starts withnthe solo performance of tukang karang (storyteller), who shall sing and dancenwith a walking cane. The storyteller will be joined by a group of dancers—whonare usually dressed up as sailors—and sing the song with dance movement in angroup. Lyrics are carefully curated with comedy elements. The musicalninstruments used for Boria are violin, gambus, marwas, cymbal, gendang,naccordion, harmonica and guitar. The props used include oil lamp, flag, kris,numbrella, manggar flower and walking cane.
Malaysia