We had the honour of engaging with Puan Marina Yusoff, our distinguished keynote speaker, following her captivating performance lecture on Malay Dance Art: Culture and Tradition Past and Present. The insightful discourse took place at Hari Warisan 2023 on January 20, 2024, hosted at Persada Budaya, Wisma Geylang Serai. The event, a collaborative effort between the Malay Heritage Foundation and the Malay Heritage Centre, provided a platform for Marina to share her expertise and passion for Malay dance, delving into its rich cultural roots and exploring its contemporary expressions.
Marina’s enlightening presentation not only highlighted the historical significance of Malay dance but also shed light on its evolution and relevance in the present day. As the audience absorbed her wealth of knowledge, they were transported through time, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricate connection between culture and tradition in the realm of Malay dance. The occasion served as a testament to the commitment of both the Malay Heritage Foundation and the Malay Heritage Centre to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage that binds communities together.
Marina is a Creative Director of Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts (Singapore). She is currently pursuing her final year of a bachelor’s degree in ‘Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Usuluddin – Comparative Religion’ at the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). Marina began her involvement in Malay traditional dance in Sriwana at 10. She started with Bengkel Kanak-kanak Sriwana under the tutelage of Mdm Som Said. Marina is a complete Performer, dancer, actor, podcaster and presenter. She began her career in television after winning the 2nd prize as a presenter in the reality TV competition “Anugerah 12” in 1997, produced by Prime 12. She has acted in more than 20 local television dramas at MediaCorp TV, including “Gerimis Dihati” (2009) and “Raya Sempurna Hari Raya” drama special (2014). Marina has been active in the theatre scene since 1998 in acting, directing, and producing. Her most significant achievement was a Dance Theatre, ‘Bendahara a Betrayal’, staged in 2010 at Kallang Theatre as a director, scriptwriter and actor. Recently, we delved into Marina’s enchanting journey, uncovering the allure behind her spellbinding Malay dance performances.
Q: As the Creative Director at Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd, could you share the vision and mission that drive your work in preserving and promoting Malay heritage through performing arts?
The vision and mission that drive my work in preserving and promoting Malay heritage through performing arts is because of a deep interest in Malay traditional art since childhood. My vision is to embrace this gift/talent from Allah Swt into the right place. And learning to explore more of the Malay arts that exist in the archipelago and even globally. The mission is to convey and spread the benefits of arts/skills learned to the community and the future generation so that the understanding of Malay arts ‘kesantunan’ (courtesy/politeness) is preserved and, at the same time, develops with its creativity.
Q: Your recent performance lecture on Malay Dance Art: Culture and Tradition, Past and Present garnered much attention during Hari Warisan 2023. What inspired you to explore this particular theme, and what message did you aim to convey?
I chose this specific theme with the intention that people can better understand what Malay traditional art truly is. It is something ‘alami’ naturally originated, becoming a heritage because of the beauty of Malay art itself. This message is also for me to share with my fellow comrades in the Malay dance art scene, emphasising that in our creative endeavours and explorations, regardless of the form our Malay art takes, its beauty and the essence of Malay ‘jati diri’ (identity) still stands magnificently in every individual activist.
Q: In your extensive experience in Malay dance, how have you seen the art form evolve over the years, and what challenges and opportunities do you foresee for its future?
Times change, and the world moves in various forms, technology, economy, social aspects, culture, and including the Performing Arts. And this is not limited to our Malay dance. Advancing forward means becoming more sophisticated, more creative, more developed, and more enthusiastic in creating culturally, aesthetically and artistically. However, more knowledge must also be acquired. Certainly, with many opportunities gained, there will be many challenges to face. So, let us use our knowledge and thinking to navigate through all these challenges. As knowledgeable arts activists with a strong Malay identity and foundation, we can undoubtedly continue to take pride in advancing Malay dance art in the right direction, insya Allah.
Q: Can you highlight a few key elements of Malay dance that you find particularly significant in reflecting the cultural identity and traditions of the
Malay community?
Among them is the Malay dance movement itself, which is largely based on the daily activities of Malay people in the past. Like ‘Tunjuk Ajar Melayu’ eg. ‘Tumpang lalu’ called ‘taksim’ in one of the terms in zapin dance, ‘tanya khabar’ in inang dance and also in all the 5 basic Malay dances – asli, inang, masri, zapin and joget, also incorporated in the ‘9 Rangkaian Tari Melayu‘ where there are many dance philosophies that tell about the identity of the Malays such as ‘sifat malu’ (shyness), decency and morals of the Malays. In addition, the principles and ethics of the Malay people can clearly be seen in the Malay dance itself with the counting, the simple and orderly floor pattern and the way of socialising and dancing between men and women, the difference in elegance and power of the two male and female dancers is also evident.
Q: As a creative force in the performing arts, how do you approach the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in your choreography and productions?
The fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in choreography and production is a must in today’s work including Sri Warisan itself. The original tradition is a dance that has not been changed from its origin, like the classic Malay dance. And most of the Malay dances performed are new creations. With the knowledge learned and a strong Malay dance foundation, every dancer and choreographer should be able to attract, process and produce new works that combine these two elements. Like what Puan Som Said always says, ‘moving with tradition’. But this is certainly according to the ability of each individual. It is certain that it can not only benefit the dancer/choreographer but also the audience watching
the performance.
Q: Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd has been instrumental in contributing to the cultural landscape. Could you share some memorable moments or achievements that stand out in your journey with the
performing arts company?
I have been with Sri Warisan for 25 years. I must have learned too much here. It is not only subject to the Malay dance, but it is beyond that. I learned about ‘Life’ here. Almost part of my life grew up here. This is my second family. I also saw the children of Sri Warisan grow up here in front of my eyes. Sometimes I can see them as ‘myself’. How I started and deliberately chose art as a journey in my life. It’s very emotional. Alhamdulillah, there are so many memories and satisfaction; I don’t say ‘achievements’ because it is more individual. In art and in our work, it is more satisfying for me when our works can be performed well by the performers and not only well received but can have a deep impact on the audience’s heart; that is the real satisfaction for me.
Q: The collaborative nature of Hari Warisan 2023, organised by the Malay Heritage Foundation in collaboration with the Malay Heritage Centre, is noteworthy. How do such partnerships contribute to the broader goal of preserving and celebrating Malay heritage?
Yes, that’s right. The sharing of what HARI WARISAN is doing can contribute to the wider goal of preserving and celebrating our Malay heritage it should be given full focus and can create awareness also among the community out there who may not know Malay art more closely. With the participation of various Malay art groups and individual Arts Activists, this can further dignify our Malay Arts Culture beyond expectations, insya Allah.
Q: In your role, you bridge the past and present of Malay dance. How do you strike a balance between honouring tradition and embracing innovation in your creative endeavours?
Balance in respecting tradition and accepting innovation in our creative efforts as an Arts Activist is very important. Tradition is our ‘soul’ while innovation is our ‘creativity’. Without innovation, we are immobile and static. So these two need to be aligned. But as I said, our ‘identity’ as Malays is more important because knowing who we are and what our intentions are makes us more careful and sensitive to our surroundings. It doesn’t matter in whatever we do, including in creating Arts.
Q: Beyond performances, how does Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd engage with the community to ensure the continuity and appreciation of Malay heritage among younger generations?
Certainly, this is our forte and our goal. The main target of Sri Warisan is to convey Malay arts, knowledge, ‘Tunjuk Ajar Melayu’, ‘kesantunan’, and politeness to the next generation of young people, school children and the community regardless of race and religion. We perform the ‘arts education programmes’ in schools all over Singapore almost every day. This is what we see, experience and ‘witness’ what they learn. It’s a proud moment for us. At least they come home with knowledge and understanding of Malay culture which is very simple but compact through dance, movements, narrations, demonstrations and, most importantly, meaningful. Not only the school children but Sri Warisan‘s ‘outreach programme’ has expanded to all corners of Singapore residents through the ‘My Heritage’ interactive art and culture programme, which has become a favourite among the non-Malays community as well. Alhamdulillah.
Q: As we celebrate Hari Warisan and reflect on the rich cultural tapestry of the Malay community, what aspirations do you have for the future of Malay performing arts, and how do you see your role contributing to that vision?
My aspiration for the future of Malay performing arts is it must be ‘not static’ this includes other cultural arts such as dikir barat, silat, theatre, bangsawan and so on. It must have a ‘quality’ presentation not only to be attractive but have its own ‘wow factor’ in the eyes of our audiences and art lovers looking at this traditional Malay art performance, including every detailing that needs to be emphasised, such as styling, wardrobe, accessories, headgears, props, sets, multimedia, background, music and all others which I think could enhance the whole outlook of every Malay traditional performing arts. Our role may be as a reference or advice because we still have Mdm Som Said, the Icon and maestro in sharing various knowledge on dance and other Arts Maestros in Singapore with different art forms like silat, theatre, bangsawan, etc. Basically, all of us are still learning including myself and the entire team at Sri Warisan. We learn not only in the form of a classroom but through ‘observation’ and ‘understanding’ because not everyone can catch it. It’s very symbolic sometimes, so we need people with passion to do this.
Q: The theme of Hari Warisan 2023: Era Then and Now was focused on the past and present of Malay Heritage. How do you think this theme contributes to the community’s broader cultural dialogue and understanding?
This theme for sure will be able to contribute to the dialogue and understanding of the society’s culture more broadly. Because it is not only in the form of performing arts but also dialogue, events, community outreach and many other things. For me, it is very comprehensive and visitors can choose based on their will and ability. It can also create awareness for those who are new to Malay culture. Parents can also encourage their children to gain knowledge and understanding of Malay culture through events like this. Even if it’s only once a year, it’s very holistically meaningful and has the potential to further expand.
Q: Beyond traditional forms of Malay dance, are there other performing arts or cultural expressions that you believe deserve more recognition and preservation?
Definitely! All performing arts or other cultural expressions deserve due recognition and preservation. I believe that art is refined, creative, and special. Every existing Malay performing art has its own definition, knowledge, philosophy, tradition, expression, and emotion that deserves to be voiced, explored, and conveyed to other art activists, their followers, and society.
Q: In your opinion, how can modern technology and digital platforms be leveraged to promote and share traditional Malay performing arts on a global scale?
Yes. Using modern technologies, multimedia, etc, has been a trend and one of a must for Malay dance productions nowadays. Digital platforms to showcase traditional Malay performances. It captures the attention of young audiences and various demographics. At the same time, it can have an artistic and symbolic impact through unique usage. Sri Warisan has digitised 20 Arts education programmes with different thematic programmes and also compiled our arts theatre production performances and International arts festival performances digitally for online views. This effort is also for immersive experiences for worldwide appreciation of the Malay traditional arts and culture to a global audience.
Q: Describe yourself in three words.
- Friendly
- Stance
- Flexible
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