GEORGE TOWN, Aug 3 – The Boria Academy plans to set up a museum dedicated to preserving the treasures and history of the traditional performance art that is synonymous with Penang.
Its director, Datuk Jibran Khalil Sindamadar, said that the proposal will be submitted to the state government soon as part of efforts to uphold, protect and preserve the boria heritage from being lost to time.
He added that the museum could also serve as a tourism product, especially for foreign visitors, to better understand the heritage of the state, including the younger generation, so that they will be aware of the origins of boria, which has evolved over time.
Jibran received the Darjah Setia Pangkuan Negeri (DSPN), which confers the title ‘Datuk’, during the State Honours, Stars, and Medals Presentation Ceremony held in conjunction with the 75th Anniversary of Penang Governor, Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, at Dewan Sri Pinang on Wednesday.
Boria is a form of traditional performing art which combines elements of singing, dancing and comedy. Performances usually feature a group of singers and dancers who present a story, often with humorous or satirical themes.
Despite having undergone a major evolution, including modernisation and commercialisation in terms of costumes, poetic verses and dance movements, Jibran said Boria must not deviate from its core or lose its identity, even as it adapts to the times.
“That is why this museum is necessary, so that the public can gain detailed explanations from each item on display,” he said.
