What is Makyong

After reading the dramatic monologue of Mak Su in the drama of Ramli Ibrahim, In the Name of Love, I was reminded that there are many precious traditional practices have been neglected by the younger generations and Makyong is one of them. When I was reading this monologue, I myself also did not know what Makyong is. As I surfed internet to search for further information about Makyong, I found out that it is actually a very artistic dance form that worths to be inherited generations to generations.

Makyong is an ancient dance-theater form that combines the elements of ritual, stylized dance and acting, vocal and instrumental music, story, song, formal as well as improvised spoken text. It is believed to have originated in Kelantan, Malaysia, several centuries ago, long before the Islamization of the country. It is performed mainly for the purposes of court entertainment and for ritual practices such as healing practices. The most important dance in Makyong is Mengadap Rebab which is divided into five sections: sitting, kneeling, squatting, standing and walking.

Makyong has been preserved until the present day thanks largely to the oral transmissions, which requires long years of training. However, this important tradition is undergoing steady decline, due to reduced dramatic and musical collections and a shortage of performers. In addition, in today's society, few young people are willing to commit to this tradition. Makyong was so popular and greatly welcome by many people in the past as what Mak Su said in the drama. She feels so regret that this tradition is banned due to the new law in Kelantan and the Makyong performers are forced to move to other state. It is so unfortunate that this tradition is being neglected and gradually become unknown to many people especially the younger generation.