Taif is home to Al-Majroor, one of the governorate’s oldest traditional performing arts. The performance features two facing rows of participants in traditional attire who move in rhythm to alternating verses and melodies.
According to SPA, the art was once rooted in social gatherings and weddings, but it is now featured at cultural events and festivals for visitors and residents. The structure of a performance relies on the interplay of rhythm, attire, movement, and poetry.
Participants form two groups that alternate delivering melodies and poetic verses. Drummers using the tabla and duff stand at the center to set the pace, while performers introduce movements based on a sequence familiar to practitioners. Saeed bin Ali Al-Sufyani, an Al-Majroor enthusiast, stated that the art remains rooted in the social memory of Taif.
Al-Sufyani noted that generations have passed down performance techniques, movements, and melodies. He added that mastering the art requires knowledge of its terminology, elements, and transitions between sections. Young people currently participate in folk groups to learn from experienced performers and pass the traditions to new generations.
What are the main elements of an Al-Majroor performance? An Al-Majroor performance is characterized by the interplay of movement, rhythm, attire, and poetry. It begins with participants forming two facing groups that alternate in delivering melodies and poetic verses. At the center of the scene, drummers play the tabla and duff to set the pace, while the performers execute a sequence of movements familiar to practitioners of the art.
How has the role of Al-Majroor changed over time in Taif? Historically, Al-Majroor was rooted in social gatherings and weddings, reflecting how people in Taif gathered to share song and poetry. In recent times, the art has transitioned to being featured at cultural events and festivals. It has become a part of the local memory of the governorate, preserving traditional folk heritage through generations.
How is the tradition of Al-Majroor being preserved for future generations? The tradition is preserved as generations pass down performance techniques, melodies, and movements. Saeed bin Ali Al-Sufyani noted that young people are helping carry this heritage forward by joining folk groups. By learning from experienced performers, these young participants ensure the traditions of Al-Majroor are passed on to a new generation.