The Boria is Penang Malay-Jawi Peranakan parody theatre which originates from the ancient Persian ta’ziyeh, a Shia musical passion play depicting the tragedy of the Karbala during the 10th day of the month of Muharram or asyurah.
Over the last 150 years the boria has become more secular and popular; its choreography has evolved from the drumming military marches of the 19th Madras Calvary in Penang to popular 1950’s rumba Latin beat with influences from Bollywood. The boria highlights the morals of the day with messages of social awakening and reform, consistent with the ancient theme of Islamic unity and brotherhood and the end of sectarianism in history.