The Revived Mak Yong Theatre in Indonesia’s Riau Islands: Narrative and Performance Structure

Abstract

Mak yong is a form of theatre that combines music, dance, story, dialogue, and slapstick comedy in its performance. The traditions of mak yong are currently practiced in Malaysia, southern Thailand, and Indonesia’s Riau Islands. Focusing on mak yong that has been revived in the past fifteen years in the Riau Islands, this essay discusses the contemporary productions of mak yong and the consequences of its revival, including adjustment and limitations in its current presentation. As most of the stories in mak yong’s repertoire are lost with the demise of the old performers, this article reconstructs the narrative and performance structure of mak yong based on recordings, storytelling, manuscripts, and contemporary performances.