From Boorish Bands to Community Voice Tools: Transformation and Acceptance of Boria in Penang in Early 20th Century

Abstract

This article focuses on the Penang-specific popular entertainment form boria to trace the process of integration of Muslim communities of mixed Indian and Malay descent, known as Jawi Pekan, into the Malays in Penang. Introduced to the Malay Archipelago via India, Islamic martyrdom plays developed in Penang by the end of the 19th century as boria, a popular entertainment characterised by its improvised lyrics, drama, and band performances. Early boria was considered a ritual for Indian Muslims living abroad but was not popular among the Malays. Some Malays called for the abolition of boria citing constant fights between bands, even though boria was considered a celebration for Malays in Penang in the early 20th century. This article examines attempts to make boria respectable and acceptable to society. Based on articles published in 20th-century newspapers, this article demonstrates that the society began accepting boria following the organisation of competitions and performances at commercial amusement parks and state ceremonies.