Proposal for boria museum to showcase history of Penang's traditional performance art

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- 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.

"We cannot achieve this alone, so cooperation and support from all parties, including the state government is essential to realise the establishment of the boria museum. I am confident that this proposal will be accepted, as it can attract tourists and contribute to the state's economic development while preserving the traditional art of Penang.

"We also need to gather relevant materials, some of which might include costumes, equipment, photographs and historical narratives previously used by boria practitioners, which may be kept in state museums or libraries," he said when met by Bernama.

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 yesterday.

He said that the goal of establishing the museum is to present the history of boria in a more organised manner, from its introduction to Malaya up to the present day.

Despite having undergone a major evolution, including modernisation and commercialisation in terms of costumes, poetic verses and dance movements, he 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.

Jibran added that the establishment of the museum would facilitate efforts to recognise boria as a UNESCO World Heritage.

Jibran also expressed his gratitude and thanks to the Penang government and Tun Ahmad Fuzi for recognising boria practitioners like himself with such a high honour.

“This is the first time a boria practitioner has been conferred the title ‘Datuk’. What I have received today serves as a motivation to continue contributing to the elevation of boria.

“Besides the museum, I also aim to establish a Boria Foundation, which will not only promote boria performances but also elevate it to an international platform as a world heritage art form,” he said.

This year, 142 recipients of state top honours and 1,204 recipients of medals and commendations are listed in the awards ceremony, which spans over four days starting on Saturday, Tuesday, yesterday and today.

-- BERNAMA