KOTA BHARU, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- The survival of Kelantan's traditional arts and culture depends on the existence of a succeeding generation that not only recognises the heritage but also learns and practices it, said Kelantan National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) director Rohaniza Abdullah.
She said that efforts to preserve arts and culture must be accompanied by approaches that provide opportunities for the younger generation to learn and master the heritage continuously, rather than merely maintaining its original form.
“The sustainability of arts and culture requires continuity from one generation to the next. We are not only striving to preserve existing heritage but also exploring innovative approaches and providing learning opportunities for young people to get to know and master traditional arts and culture,” she told reporters after the launch of the Bengkel Produk Seni Gasing Uri dan Perintis Mak Yong at the Kelantan JKKN Complex here today.
Rohaniza said the ‘Mak Yong’ Pioneer Programme (for children) is one of the initiatives aimed at grooming the next generation of traditional artists through consistent training and exposure to performances.
She noted that this approach enables participants to understand the fundamentals of performance, dance, acting and speech, while also gaining stage experience.
Meanwhile, she mentioned that efforts to introduce ‘Gasing Uri’ (spinning top) to the new generation are also being prioritised through approaches designed to make the traditional folk game more accessible without compromising its original function and identity.
“Gasing Uri is a traditional game centred on the skill of spinning the top using a specific technique. This game serves as a means to elevate a cultural art form that possesses a distinct identity and holds the potential for innovation to broaden its reach,” she said.
Rohaniza also said that sustaining these efforts is crucial to ensuring that traditional arts and culture continue to be learned, practiced, and passed down to future generations.
“Heritage endures only when people learn, practice and pass it on. Therefore, we want initiatives like this -- and this cultural art form -- to continue as an ongoing process, ensuring that the state’s cultural treasures retain their place within society,” she added.
-- BERNAMA