The Mek Mulung traditional theater is no longer an extinct art - thanks to the Petronas Performing Arts Group (PPAG).

Mek Mulung has been brought back as part of PPAG's effort to preserve the cultural and traditional heritage of the Malay community.

PPAG head Hartini Abdullah said it was important to bring back the Mek Mulung traditional theater because the people were unaware that this Malay traditional performance existed in the past.

The theater will be brought back to life for two nights (April 20-21) at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall in a stage performance titled 'Malim Bongsu'.

According to Hartini, the show will see a combination of dance, songs and music in a "non-representational acting" performance which is aimed at creating dramatic effects to the theater.

Mek Mulung was originally from a district called Wang Tepus in Jitra, Kedah. That being the case, Hartini said, the actors and actresses have to use Kedah dialects in their performances in order to preserve the origin of Mek Mulung.

Love story

Malim Bongsu, directed by Roslee Mansor, narrated a love story between Prince Malim Bongsu and Princess Siti Jagerlan and how they had to struggle in order to become a couple.

In the story, the princess's father had forced her to marry a rich merchant named Malim Panjang, but on the wedding day, a spell was cast on Siti and she turned into a monkey.

Later, it was Malim Bongsu who broke the spell and brought back the princess.

For this weekend's shows, Hartini said that the performers began their training and rehearsals four months ago. About 50 people, including singers and musicians, were selected and they will be trained constantly for future Mek Mulung shows.

One of the most challenging aspects of the theater is to get the men to perform the roles of women. This, said Hartini, was a gimmick which hopefully will attract more people to watch the show and have fun.

Future Mek Mulung performances will depend on public reaction to its initial shows, added Hartini.

Tickets for this week's shows are priced from RM10-RM35. Those interested can call 03-20517007 or log on to www.malaysianphilharmonic.com .