Mak Yong from Malaysia is a form of folk theatre that involves rituals of propitiation and healing that were popularized by the local communities in the villages of Kelantan in northwest Malaysia, way before the Islamization of the country. The Pattani Kingdom, which is now a province of Thailand, is believed to have been the beginning of this tradition. Until the 1920s, Mak Yong was performed as a royal theatre under the direct patronage of the Kelantan Sultanate and was used by all layers of society to pay respect to spirits, express gratitude for the harvest, or treat various illnesses.
An offering is made to the spirits (semah kumpung) before a performance begins, which is followed by dancing, acting, and improvised dialogues. Performances went on for several nights, each lasting three hours. Clowns, who are always male, are the only exception to the tradition of all performers being female. The lead dancer is called Pak Yong and is dressed like a king. Meanwhile, in addition to the lead dancer, a queen, palace girls, and jesters are usually present in the cast.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Mak Yong continued but was suppressed by the Islamic revival. As early as 1991, the country banned Mak Yong in the state due to its "un-Islamic elements" and clothing that leaves women's heads and arms uncovered. Despite many old performers defying the ban, Mak Yong could no longer perform publicly. Until UNESCO declared it an intangible cultural heritage to be preserved, people believed the tradition would die out.
Because it is largely untouched by external influences, Mak Yong is considered the most authentic and representative form of Malay performing arts. However, in spite of its importance, this tradition continues to decline. The revival of the art form has been attempted several times, but seasoned performers have noted a distinct difference between the commercialized Mak Yong of urban dancers and the movements of rural dancers. Fewer and fewer young people are willing to take on such rigorous apprenticeships to learn the tradition.
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