There are several competing ideas about the origins and development of Likay. However, the most likely is that Likay has roots in the Malay Jikey, an Islamic chanting. Since there is a wide gap between this religious performance and folk entertainment, it is also possible that Likay derives from India instead, especially as there are many Indian dance gestures found in the actors’ performances. [1] [2]
Likay Actor
The lack of historic references also creates controversy about the first emergence of Likay, but it is most likely to have emerged as a distinct form of theatre in the late 19th century.