From the book : A form of Malay Theater
Author : Rahmah Bujang
-Malaysian drama-
In 19th century, boria is a form of malay theater that has ancient roots in Malaysia. Though of Indian origin, it has until very recently not only been centred in Penang but through adaptive processes, become the one and only theater of the Penang Malays.
Boria was first mentioned by H.T. Haughton (1897). It was brought to Penang in 1845 by 21st Regiment of Madras which had been transfered there to garisson the fort. A song and dance form, it was played by the indian muslims of the regiment for ten days in the month of Muharram (month in muslim calendar) when they had holiday leave to celebrate the annual shi'ite festival of mourning for Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
As a result, preliminary investigations it was established that though boria had in the past been identified with the island of Penang as a whole. It is now only significant in certain areas. A cencus made in 1975 confirmed that boria was confined to certain dominant areas of boria creativity were found south of Georgetown in the villages of Sungai Pinang, Kampung Dodol, Kampung Jawa, Dhoby Ghout and Jalan Hatin within the Datuk Keramat Region. Boria activites from this region also extended into areas such as Ayer Hitam, Jelutung adjacent to Datuk Keramat afield to other areas in Penang and Province Wellesly, Kedah & Perak.
-The Boria Show-
Generally played on an imprompty stage, usually a wooden platform two and a half to three feet above the ground. An assemble stage would consist of a floor or wooden planks held together by nails and ropes, placed on empty oil drums or tree trunks as its four corners. Attached to the front corners of the stage are usually long strong poles for fixing electrical wire for the stage lightning and power for the band, if used.
Each show is divided into two sections, a farcial comic sketch followed by a song and dance sequence. though different in presentation, both sections deal with the same theme. in this book, "actors" refers to those act out the comic sketch in the first part of the show. "performers" refer to the "sailor" in the subsequent song and dance act.
The second section of the show, the song and dance sequence is performed by 10 - 12 "sailors" and one "tukang karut" (the composer in the group). The tukang karang stands on the centre front of the stage. He or she carries a straight staff as a hand prop in his right hand. the staff which is made of a cane at one end. the other end was decorated with shiny copper, aluminium or a polished steel head. this he would point as he sings as though to emphasize his points. he is dressed in black trousers with a bright unpatterned coloured shirt and sash over which is an embroided or patterned sleeveless jacket. the only variations in the costumes, its because the tukang karang among the various troupes is in the motif of the jacket. some wear floral jacket, or a sequined jacket for added attraction. the sailors who stand behind the tukang karang in two parallel rows, of five or six each, are dressed in black trousers, bright unpatterned coloured shirts and sash like their leaders.
The act begins when the band strikes up a rhumba or cha cha beat and the tukang karang sing his opening verse which briefly introduces the troupe and their aim in the show.
-The meaning of boria-
Originally boria was and Indian word which meant "matting". Today, the folk etomology is "borak" ( to bluff ) reffering to the song and dance sequences. Neither derivation, tell us anything of its modern social usage. Apart from the direct refferences to the show, founded three modern usage of the word which are illuminating.
-Boria and its symbolic actions-
Can be categorised into status of main characters, goal of main characters, outcome of action, agency to bring about outcome, setting and time to bring about the outcome.
-Boria and its community-
Most of the significant features, of the actual social structure and daily life of the Penang urban Malay villages. These are generally good at a personal level among malays, chinese and indians as local residents and in the market or workplaces. Other factors binding or separating the different ethnic groups include politicial, work relationship, urban ties and voluntary associations.
-The development of boria-
It has been founded that its popularity start since its origin motivated by the social groups participating in it at the time. Its ancient origin was basically ritual when the muslim indians brought it to penang. the form was still very much ritualistics in nature.
-Occassions and Audience-
The boria was held on any occassions such as wedding, institutional state and national celebrations or charity performances.
The performers : 10 or 12 sailors to a troupe, the usual number, is 10. youth ranging from age 18-22 year old who are school learners, unemployed or factory workers usually take the role of "sailors". The leader, the tukang karang usually older than the sailors. Among penang audience, he is also called tekong (which in Penang Malay dialect means "leader")
The positions :
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| position stage 1 (not parrallel with tukang karang ) |
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| position stage 2 (parrallel in rows with tukang karang ) |