Rediscovering our folk tales
MANY of us grew up with Western fairytales and children’s stories, from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen to Aesop’s fables and Disney.
But how many of us are familiar with Malaysian folk tales?
Unfortunately, as musician/ composer Melina William realised in a conversation with young friends, the answer for some is “absolutely no idea.”
This, however, sparked a collaboration for a theatre show.
“We thought, hey, why don’t we reintroduce classic Malaysian folk tales to younger generations?” says William, 43, who is the vocalist and bassist of the rock band Tempered Mental.
The result? Dondang Dongeng, a unique retelling of Malaysian folklore in songs, specially curated for children of all ages and the young at heart.
The show, which also has Merdeka month flavour, will play at Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama Shopping Centre on Aug 25 and 26.
Let’s listen to stories
Even the show’s title evokes the image of children listening raptly as they’re told fantastical fables.
For this musical treat, William, the Dondang Dongeng show’s creative director, is joined by composer and musical director Irena Taib, and main vocalist and advisor for traditional elements Asmidar Isme.
“We chose the stories based on which are the most interesting and iconic, then it was left to Irena and Mia (the show’s other composer) to write the songs. I think what’s different is that the songs could be from any part of the story and from the point of view of any of the characters,” says William.
Dondang Dongeng features six original compositions and three traditional classics, covering seven folk tales from across Malaysia. Before the start of each song, a storyteller will set up the scene for the audience.
Asmidar, who is a teacher in traditional vocals and mek mulung (traditional Malay theatre) at Aswara, highlights the importance of having young Malaysians learn about local folklore.
“Many Malaysian youths know Disney films, but when we talk about Malaysian folklore, they don’t know much, and this leaves them unable to relate to our roots and culture. Dondang Dongeng is special because we don’t often get the chance to share these stories in such a way,” she says.
“We keep looking outside for sources of inspiration, but it’s time to look in. We should be proud of our folktales – they give us a sense of who we are as Malaysians,” says Irene.
The team worked closely with musicians who play traditional instruments such as gambus, accordion, rebana, flute and sape to give the songs a traditional touch.
“The process of workshopping with the traditional musicians was different from how I usually produce music and brought all of us out of our comfort zones,” shares Irena, who is also onethird of the Impatient Sisters, an indie band she formed with her sisters.
“The songs take a modern approach, but the traditional instruments have their own character, so it was a fun challenge to see how we can bring them both together and make it work.”
Sang Kancil, a cheeky mousedeer known for using his wit and quick thinking to overcome other animals that would otherwise have him for dinner, also gets the popular vote as the show’s main highlight story.
“When you’re a kid and there’s a small character like Sang Kancil that can do amazing things and outsmart the tough guys, it empowers you and leaves you thinking, ‘Oh, I can do it, too’,” says William.
Right at its core, Dondang Dongeng isa fun show to watch, says vocalist Ryan Lee Bhaskaran, adding that it wasn’t just for kids.
“For music lovers, you get to experience the harmony and unity when traditional and modern instruments come together,” says Lee Bhaskaran.
Dondang Dongeng will play at Stage 1, Petaling Jaya Performing Arts Centre (PJPAC), 1 Utama Shopping Centre on Aug 25 and 26. More info: onetix.com.my.