Management Of Commercial Makyung Kelantan. In: 18th Biennial New Zealand Asian Studies Society International Conference, July 6-8, 2009

Makyung is a form of Malay traditional theatre that incorporates elements of ritual, dance, instrumental music with songs, dialogue, stylised acting, improvisations within a storyline. In 2005, UNESCO recognised Makyung as the first Malaysian perfonning art with the status of a IIWorJd Intangible Heritage", This article focuses on the management of commercial Makyung during the 60s to date. It shows that the style of management of Makyung varied according to the objectives of the performance. For example, with the ritualised form, "Main-Puteri Makyung", social customs and beliefs determined the nature of management; in contrast, in the court, the refinement ofcourt etiquette prevailed. In commercial Makyung, profit justified the performance. At present, the dominant objectives of Makyung performance are for education and cultural preservation.