Artistic Confluences and Creative Challenges: Inventing Dance for Boria, Bangsawan and Ronggeng in Penang 1900-1970s

Abstract

Boria, Bangsawan and Ronggeng are among the oldest electic performing arts traditions in Penang that have survived the Second World War and prevailed up to the turn of millennium. Created and developed through the fusion of local and foreign traditions, such as the Taziya passion plays of the Indian Shi'le Muslims (which evolved into the Boria), the Parsi Theatre (Wayang Parsi, which is the forerunner of the Bangsawan), and the ecletic mix of Malay, Portuguese and Peranakan music and dance (which form the basis of the Rongeng repertoire, these traditions became synonymous with Penang's hybrid culture.