Makyong has often been seen portraying the life, trials and tribulations of a King, his court and his countrymen.

Stories have been passed down from generation to generation and people have found ingenious ways to tell tall and short tales. Over the years, Makyong has developed to become a rich part of Malaysian culture. Originated from Kelantan, Makyong has often been seen portraying the life, trials and tribulations of a King, his court and his countrymen.

Makyong is a traditional performance combining acting dance, singing, drama, romance and comedy in a single performance. No documentation of this art form has ever been made, most Makyong performances are handed down from generation to generation, and teachings were memorised by a handful of actors, musicians and comedians who have performed the Makyong countless times.

A favourite form of entertainment in the palace courtyard of Kelantan and Patani, Makyong was often performed for members of the Royal family and aristocrats but it wasn't until the beginning of the 20th Century that Makyong was made available to the public as well.

Malaysian Makyong is arguably different from its counterparts in Indonesia, Thailand and old Cambodia in terms of stories, music, dances as well as the costumes used.

Although traditionally Makyong performances were very much influenced by spirits and offerings to evoke the 'semangat' or spirits to ensure its smoothness and deter unwanted disturbances during the show, it wasn't until after the coming of Islam to this region when rituals such as these were eliminated.

The performing troupe usually has four leading actresses who play the parts of the King, the Hero, the Queen and the Heroine. Other actresses played the parts of the palace maids or 'dayangs' or even the roles of prince as well as princesses, while the men were usually given the parts as of comedians. Two of these men would play lead comedians, while the others would act as supporting roles.

Acting similarly as court jesters with their witty and astute antics, the comedians also act as narrators during the performance, constantly letting the audience know what is about to take place next. These men are known as the 'Peran' and are considered as having the most important role in a Makyong performance.

Makyong is a traditional performance combining acting dance, singing, drama, romance and comedy in a single presentation.

The story of Raja Besar Ho Gading revolves around a ruler from the kingdom of Ho Gading who has seven princes. Often worrying about the future of his kingdom, the King sends for the two fortune-tellers, to ask for their advice about his kingdom's destiny. As the fortune-teller begins reading out his premonitions, the King learns that the fate of his kingdom will only be safe in the hands of his youngest son, 'Raja Bongsu'.

The youngest son, already a favourite of both his parents, is portrayed as a naïve young child who still enjoys playing with the two 'Peran' in the royal courtyard. The news however, reaches 'Raja Sulung' or the eldest son, who becomes jealous and angry upon hearing the fortune-teller's predictions. He then decides to make a pact with his other siblings to kill their youngest brother.

Acting similarly as court jesters with their witty and astute antics, the comedians also act as narrators during the performance, constantly letting the audience know what is about to take place next

He calls upon his other siblings and begins conspiring against his brother, in hopes of winning back his parents love and respect. Promising his brothers a share in their father's riches after he is makes King, they begin plotting and scheming a plan. 'Raja Sulung' then approaches his father to allow all of them to play at a place called 'Padang Saujana'.

Their parents agree, but they caution them to take care of their youngest brother. Upon reaching 'Padang Saujana', they confront the youngest brother and begin expressing their anger and jealousy towards him. Finally, they decided to throw their youngest brother into an old well, and then left him there to die. However, the fate of 'Raja Bongsu' doesn't end there, as two people who happen to pass the area heard the young prince's cry for help. 'Raja Bongsu' is returned to the Palace, and his brothers are then punished for their vengeful acts.

Such is the story performed by students from the Akademi Pengajian Melayu of University Malaya. A two-day theatrical Makyong performance entitled "Raja Besar Ho Gading" was performed by 15 actors and four musicians.

Combining all the elements of human emotion such as sadness, humour, anger, joy and love, the actors and actresses expressed them beautifully throughout the entire show, at the same time, flawlessly reciting their lines in Kelantanese. Combining all the elements of human emotion such as sadness, humour, anger, joy and love, the actors and actresses expressed them beautifully throughout the entire show, at the same time, flawlessly reciting their lines in Kelantanese.

The performance took place in a spacious hall where most of the audience sat on the floor. The actors and actresses sat against the wall and when it was their turn to act out a scene, they would just proceed to the middle of the hall and start acting.