A Comparative Study the ‘Tukang Karang’ of Previous and Present Era in Boria Performance at Penang

Authors

  • Noor Rafizal Paharul Rozi Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia Author
  • Muhammad Faisal Ahmad Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia Author

Keywords:

boria, rangkap karangan, spontaneous, traditional theatre, tukang karang

Abstract

One of the traditional performing arts originating from Penang is Boria, which has undergone various changes since the 19th century. Originally, Boria was performed to lament the historical events at Karbala, but it has since been adapted to address current issues. Boria performances consist of two segments: a sketch or acting segment (first segment) and singing accompanied by music and dance (second segment). One of the key components of Boria is the tukang karang, who serves as the lead singer and brings the performance to life in the second segment. This study aims to compare the role of the tukang karang from a historical perspective, showing how changes over time have affected Boria performances. A qualitative approach is employed by examining historical sources, conducting interviews with Boria practitioners, and observing Boria performances. The results indicate significant differences in the approach of the tukang karang between the past and the present. In the past, the tukang karang created rangkap karangan spontaneously, whereas now, the rangkap karangan are prepared in advance. This change reflects the need to adapt to contemporary times. By understanding the comparison between the tukang karang of the past and present, this study provides readers with a valuable historical perspective, ensuring that important knowledge and experiences are not lost. It also serves as a useful reference for other researchers, offering in-depth data and analysis on the role of the tukang karang in Boria.

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Author Biographies

  • Noor Rafizal Paharul Rozi, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia

    Noor Rafizal Paharul Rozi is originally from and currently resides in Penang. He received his early education, including kindergarten, primary and secondary schooling, in the Southwest District of Penang. He is an alumnus of the Acting and Directing programme at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), having completed both his bachelor's and master's degrees in 2018 and 2022, respectively. Since Form 5, he has been actively involved in Boria performances alongside professional practitioners, beginning with his participation in the Angkatan Budayasari Boria troupe as a sailor. He continues to be actively engaged in Boria performance arts and contributes to the preservation and development of this traditional art form in Penang.

  • Muhammad Faisal Ahmad, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia

    Muhammad Faisal Ahmad is a lecturer at the Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI), Tanjung Malim, Perak, Malaysia. His areas of expertise include musical theatre, theatre in education, production management, and screen arts. He holds a Doctorate in Drama and Theatre from Universiti Sains Malaysia (2019), a Master’s degree in Arts Management from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2014), and a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Creative Technology (Screen Arts Technology) from Universiti Teknologi MARA (2008).

References

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Published

2024-12-31

How to Cite

Noor Rafizal Paharul Rozi, & Muhammad Faisal Ahmad. (2024). A Comparative Study the ‘Tukang Karang’ of Previous and Present Era in Boria Performance at Penang. Proceedings of the International Music and Performing Arts Conference, 2, 120-129. https://eprosiding.upsi.edu.my/index.php/Pro-IMPAC/article/view/31