TRANSFORMASI SENI PERSEMBAHAN TRADISIONAL MEK MULUNG: PERKEMBANGAN, CABARAN DAN PELUANG DI ALAF BAHARU

TRANSFORMATION OF THE TRADITIONAL PERFORMING ART OF MEK MULUNG: DEVELOPMENT, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Abstract

ABSTRAK

Mek Mulung, sebagai salah satu bentuk teater tradisional yang berasal dari negeri Kedah, merupakan komponen penting dalam warisan seni budaya Malaysia. Namun, dalam menghadapi arus pemodenan dan perubahan cita rasa audiens, seni persembahan ini berdepan cabaran besar untuk mengekalkan relevansi tanpa menjejaskan nilai dan identiti tradisionalnya. Kertas kerja ini membincangkan transformasi seni persembahan Mek Mulung dalam konteks perkembangan, cabaran, dan peluang di alaf baharu. Dari segi perkembangan, analisis meneliti bentuk transformasi yang berlaku dalam aspek koreografi, penggunaan teknologi, dan adaptasi naratif bagi menarik minat generasi muda serta audiens kontemporari. Dalam masa yang sama, perbincangan turut menyoroti usaha pengekalan elemen tradisional seperti struktur persembahan, kostum, alat muzik, dan peranan komuniti tempatan yang menjadi teras kepada keaslian Mek Mulung. Kajian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif melalui kaedah pemerhatian turut serta, temu bual separa berstruktur bersama penggiat seni, serta analisis dokumen dan visual persembahan. Analisis pergerakan tari dilaksanakan berasaskan teori Struktur Tarian oleh Kaeppler (1999) untuk meneliti motif dan gaya pergerakan dalam konteks kesinambungan tradisi. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahawa transformasi Mek Mulung bukan sekadar bentuk adaptasi estetika, tetapi strategi pelestarian bagi memastikan kelangsungan seni persembahan ini dalam ekosistem budaya moden. Perbincangan turut menekankan peranan institusi budaya, komuniti tempatan, dan kerjasama antara sektor kerajaan serta swasta dalam mengukuhkan usaha pemeliharaan dan promosi Mek Mulung di peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa. Secara keseluruhannya, kajian ini menegaskan bahawa keseimbangan antara transformasi dan pengekalan menjadi kunci utama dalam memastikan Mek Mulung terus hidup, dihargai, dan dipertahankan sebagai warisan budaya bangsa di alaf baharu.

Kata kunci: Mek Mulung, seni persembahan tradisional, transformasi, pengekalan, warisan budaya, pelestarian, alaf baharu

ABSTRACT

Mek Mulung, a traditional theatre form originating from the state of Kedah, stands as an essential component of Malaysia’s cultural and artistic heritage. However, in the face of modernization and shifting audience preferences, this traditional performance art faces significant challenges in maintaining its relevance without compromising its authenticity. This paper discusses the transformation of Mek Mulung within the framework of development, challenges, and opportunities in the new millennium. In terms of development, the study explores the transformations that have occurred in choreography, the use of technology, and narrative adaptation as strategies to attract younger generations and contemporary audiences. Simultaneously, the discussion highlights the preservation of traditional elements such as performance structure, costumes, musical instruments, and the role of local communities that form the cultural foundation of Mek Mulung. This research employs a qualitative approach through participant observation, semi-structured interviews with practitioners, and document and visual performance analysis. The movement structure is analyzed using Kaeppler’s (1999) Theory of Dance Structure, focusing on movement motifs and stylistic variations in the context of cultural continuity. The findings indicate that the transformation of Mek Mulung represents not merely an aesthetic adaptation, but a strategic act of preservation ensuring the sustainability of this art form within a modern cultural ecosystem. The discussion also emphasizes the roles of cultural institutions, local communities, and collaborations between government and private sectors in strengthening the preservation and promotion of Mek Mulung at both national and international levels. Overall, this study asserts that the balance between transformation and preservation is fundamental to ensuring that Mek Mulung remains vibrant, appreciated, and sustained as a living cultural heritage in the new millennium.

Keywords: Mek Mulung, traditional performing arts, transformation, preservation, cultural heritage, sustainability, new millennium