Makyung: Perspectives on Malaysia’s Traditional Theatre

This rare collection of articles is interesting and readable. Makyung: Perspectives on Malaysia’s Traditional Theatre offers different facets of makyung that reveal significant everyday matters of concern that confront this unique cultural art form in Malaysia. Cultural activists, performers, theatre instructors, heritage enthusiasts, and students will find the book very valuable.

With remarkable intellectual breadth, Makyung: Perspectives on Malaysia’s Traditional Theatre presents a series of wide-ranging thoughts that frame makyung in this contemporary era dominated by digital opportunities. This compelling book will firstly educate before enlightening our thoughts on heritage conservation and the importance of documenting and recognizing Malaysia’s rich artifact, bringing the reader on a fresh journey of being reacquainted with Malaysia’s traditional theatre.

It provides a careful organization of materials to address the ways makyung is perceived by different agents that link theatre practices, organization and leadership with wider socio-political initiatives. It is certainly a book to be included on the reading list of a course on Malaysian theatre. A spark of hope to sustain the art lingers, but not before the reader falls in love with the very idea of makyung as a most treasured dance-theatre to be shared with generations to come.