Bad Dream Rocking, a.k.a. The Rocking Malay(a)examines “Si Tanggang,” a renowned Malay folktale depicting an individual who transforms into stone as a consequence of filial ingratitude. The artwork deconstructs and reconstructs the narrative, tracing the various iterations of “Si Tanggang” through retellings, cinematic adaptations, and journalistic accounts. Her Lab has also incorporated collective memories of the folktale in the installation by integrating audio recordings of interviews with undocumented children born and residing in Malaysia; each subject narrates the story in their own words and incorporates their envisioned modifications. By integrating archival materials and their numerous reenactments, Bad Dream Rocking, a.k.a. The Rocking Malay(a), explores the metaphor of a fracturing rock being altered by imperceptible forces, reflecting the instability of identity. It also endeavors to interrogate issues such as the boundaries of inclusion and exclusion, as well as insider and outsider status. Through the deconstruction and reconstruction of the tale, Her Lab has recontextualized “Si Tanggang” as a haunting, disconcerting dream, albeit not a nightmare.

The story of “Si Tanggang” was adapted into a 1961 film produced by Malay Film Production and distributed by Shaw Brothers. What’s the difference between him and us? People look at fortune. Following lines excerpted from the 1961 film were re-interpreted by undocumented children born and reside in Malaysia.