Makyung as an Oldest Form of Malay Traditional Dance Theatre in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Almost all previous studies on the Makyung dance theater concurred that the aforementioned performance was the oldest form of traditional theater amongst the Malays in Southeast Asia. It arrived or started before the arrival of Islam to the Malay Peninsula. Unfortunately, the written record on Makyung only existed at the end of the 18th century. Hence, the exact date on the origin of Makyung is difficult to determine. This means that the main sources of research on Makyung are from oral traditions, including myths, as well as the evidence contained in the self-titled performances, and not only depending the sources of writing, material evident or archaeological materials. Consequently, this article offers that Makyung is the oldest dance theatre in Southeast Asia through the analysis of previous historical records, studies and opinions about stories and elements in the performance structure.