THE boria is more than just a song and dance. Many people are unaware that there is much more to a boria performance, said National Culture and Arts Department (JKKN) Penang cultural officer Zahir Ahmad.
“There are two segments. One has a sketch with a message, advice and comedic element, and the other the singing, music and dance performance.”
He said many boria groups now mostly performed at hotels for events where there was not a lot of time for a sketch, and that was why not everyone knew about that segment.
“In addition, there are art and skills in performing the sketch which only capable and experienced individuals can pull off,”said Zahir at the Boria Art Appreciation Programme 2014 in Lintang P. Ramlee, Penang.
He added that one of the attractions of boria was when a man played the part of a woman in costume but kept his own masculine voice in the role.
JKKN Penang director Mohd Rizal Ismail said the programme, organised by the department, was aimed at reviving boria so that it did not become extinct.
“We aim to disseminate information related to boria performances in Penang, and use this as a plat-form to highlight the concept of offering real boria,” he said.
Among the audience, Nurul Ashimah Abu Hasan, 27, said she had been watching boria since she was a little girl and found that it taught her good values.
The recent programme saw group performances by Bukit Gedung Boria, Kepala Batas Boria, Boria Kombinasi, the State Public Library Boria and the JKKN.
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