Bangsawan is a form of traditional Malay opera or theatre that usually involves elements of drama, music, singing and dancing. The art form has its origins in the theatre of the immigrant Parsi community (Indians of Persian extract) in Malaya and was first performed in Penang in the 1870s. By the early 20th century, many bangsawan troupes emerged and the theatre form soon spread to other parts of Malaya. Stories used in bangsawan theatre are adapted from Indian, Arabian and Chinese folk tales, and the Sejarah Melayu (Malay Annals). This article by Juffri bin Supa’at traces the historical development of bangsawan in Singapore and showcases some of the more famous bangsawan troupes that have made an impact since the art form was introduced in Singapore in 1880. The article also examines the evolution of bangsawan theatre into its modern and contemporary forms – to appeal to a younger audience – that were later recorded and broadcast on radio and television in Singapore. Bangsawan has today become part of the fabric of Malay life and culture in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
“Persembahan bangsawan mengikut amalan tradisi tidak berpandukan skrip. Pelakon-pelakon hanya diberitahu tentang rangka atau sinopsis cerita, dan bertolak daripada pokok cerita itu terserahlah kepada mereka untuk membina dialog dan membuat improvisasi lakon.”1 – Rahmah Bujang, 1989
Diterbitkan di BiblioAsia Vol 12 Isu 1
Seni Persembahan Bangsawan
