The functions of Mantra in Main Puteri and Wayang Kulit Performances in East Coast Peninsular of Malaysia

Abstract

Main Puteri and Wayang Kulit (Shadow Play) performances are among the Malay community cultural performances that are still practiced today. These performances still have their own demand in society because it is a form of escapism stand to entertain members of the public. In modernization changes that offers various forms of entertainment, performances of Wayang Kulit and Main Puteri remained in demand among members of the public. They have a little differences with entertainment nowadays because they have some mantra (spell) elements, namely the pronunciation in the form of rhythmic poetry or prose which contains elements of magic and practiced for good purposes or otherwise (Haron, 2007). Studies made by focusing on the use of mantra’s in both performances of Main Puteri and Wayang Kulit. The study was conducted on three groups, namely group Sri Campuran, Suara Emas (Wayang Kulit) and Seni Warisan Melayu Group (Main Puteri) are actively performing around Kelantan and Terengganu. Researchers have used two main techniques of data collection which are interviews and observations participation. The findings showed a mantra applied in every performances, held mainly at the beginning and end of the show. Function mantra is for the safety of players and spectators.