Makyung Raja Besar Senyanya

(picture from Pusat Pengajian Seni, USM)

Today i went to Dewan Budaya with my boy friend (he's 1st time to go for this kind of traditional performance, pity him :p) to watch a performance Makyung by Art School and Istana Budaya. Makyung is a symbolism kind of traditional theatre traditional performance consisting dance, music, song, acting and dialog with its special and unique movements and musics. Makyung now is now approved by UNESCO as intangible heritage on year 2005. Feel kind of weird, right? Because i'm interested in such a traditional malay performance, furthermore, i don't really can understand the slang of Kelantan Malay. But after i learn about Makyung (and certainly including other traditional performances such as Bangsawan, Menora, Jikay and so on), i started to explore these performances.

The story i watched this time is named Makyung Raja Besar Senyanya. It's about Puteri Gak Petera who borned a Siput Gondang (which is not human). This makes Raja Besar Senyanya angry and chase Puteri Gak Petera away from the palace as Raja Besar Senyanya believes that Siput Gondang is not the son of him and Puteri Gak Petera. Thus, Puteri Gak Petera brings Siput Gondang to Wak Pakil Jenang. While Wak Pakil Jenang is alone with Siput Gondang, Anak Raja Gondang appears from the Siput Gondang. Anak Raja Gondang wants Wak Pakil Jenang to keep the secret and go out alone. This makes Puteri Gak Petera and Wak Pakil Jenang quarrel as Puteri Gak Petera thought Wak Pakil Jenang had eaten Siput Gondang. But then the truth reveal when Anak Raja Gondang comes back. Anak Raja Gondang begs his mother (Puteri Gak Petera) to go out for a journey. In the journey, Anak Raja Gondang involves himself in Anak-anak Mak Inang Kurang Empat Puluh. At one time, Anak Raja Gondang and Anak-anak Mak Inang Kurang Empat Puluh make fun of Wak Jura Pemikat. When this news spread to the palace, Raja Besar Senyanya is angry and wants Wak Petanda Raja to get Anak Raja Gondang for punishment. But when Raja Besar Senyanya meets Anak Raja Gondang, Raja Besar Senyanya feels comfortable and lastly Anak Raja Gondang becomes the son of Raja Besar Senyanya. This story ends with a happy ending with the celebration in palace.

Although this story is not attractive as realism theatre performance nowadays but the uniqueness of the performance can still be seen in this show. Hope whoever going will enjoy the show. ;)