Kota Kinabalu: The legend of “Pangkot”, a mysterious tale deeply rooted in the history and culture of the Sungai Kalabuan ethnic group, took centre stage at a dramatari performance held at the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Recital Hall on Feb 8 and 9.
This captivating performance, titled “Pangkot”, is the result of an academic field study conducted by UMS final-year Creative Arts students.
The fieldwork, carried out in Kampung Pinangah, Tongod, over five days last November, was warmly embraced by the Sungai Kalabuan community.
The students observed the unique traditional costumes and accessories of the ethnic group, participated in traditional dance workshops, and conducted interviews with community members to collect valuable insights into their customs, beliefs, and oral histories.
Central to their findings was the tale of “Pangkot”, a haunting story believed to be true by the Sungai Kalabuan people, who can point to visible historical remnants as evidence.
Beyond its eerie narrative, the tale of “Pangkot” provides a window into the social systems, customs, arts, culture, and economic practices of the community in the past.
In addition to the story’s adaptation into a dramatari script, the performance incorporated traditional elements of Sungai Kalabuan culture, including dances such as “runsai”, “titipak”, and “mangalai”, as well as the ceremonial “titikas”.
The 30-minute performance highlighted the patrilineal social structure and the daily livelihood of the Sungai Kalabuan people.
Speaking about the significance of the performance, Dr. Victor B. Pangayan, who led the production alongside other instructors, emphasised the importance of preserving the heritage of the Sungai Kalabuan ethnic group.
“The tale of ‘Pangkot’ and the Sungai Kalabuan people’s rich cultural traditions risk fading with time. We hope this dramatari can serve as a platform to honour and document their identity,” Dr. Victor said, adding that the dramatari performance was also under the guidance of Muhammed Syafiq Salleh, Weena Samanggang, and assisted by Patricia Jipoh, Floris Ann Jimer, as well as Jacklyn Kipar.
Community members also shared their hope that the performance would help bring greater recognition to their cultural identity, which has long been overshadowed by modernisation.
By adapting “Pangkot” for the stage, the students of UMS not only celebrated the artistry and heritage of the Sungai Kalabuan ethnic group but also helped document their unique history for future generations.
The production stands as a testament to the enduring value of Sabah’s indigenous cultures.
