Mek Mulung is a traditional theatrical art form renowned in the state of Kedah and its surrounding regions. It is a performance art that combines elements of drama, music, and dance, typically performed during celebratory events such as weddings and festivals. Mek Mulung not only serves as entertainment but also as a medium to convey folk tales, history, and cultural values deeply rooted in Malay society.

The history of Mek Mulung dates back centuries, strongly influenced by traditional theater from Thailand, particularly from the Patani region. Mek Mulung is believed to have originated in the border areas of Malaysia and Thailand, where it was derived from a performance form known as mak mulung in Thai. Over time, it developed in Kedah, carrying significant Siamese cultural influences. Mek Mulung is often performed by a group of male and female actors accompanied by gamelan music and other traditional instruments.

Originally, Mek Mulung was part of religious rituals, but over time it became integrated into local cultural traditions. The stories performed in Mek Mulung are based on epics and folk myths that often contain moral and educational messages. In Kedah, Mek Mulung began to flourish actively in the 19th century, with many cultural figures reviving this art form after it nearly faded away. However, the advent of modern technology and competition from contemporary entertainment caused its popularity to decline in the mid-20th century.

Mek Mulung is one of Malaysia's notable traditional theatrical forms alongside Bangsawan, Jikey, Hamdolok, Menora, and Wayang Kulit. It is a comprehensive blend of artistic elements, including acting, dancing, singing, and music.

Mek Mulung consists of two aspects: performance and ritual. From a performance perspective, it serves as entertainment. From a ritual perspective, Mek Mulung has a deeper purpose, involving paying homage to ancestral spirits believed to protect against evil forces.

According to the History Studies International Journal of History (2018), Mek Mulung is defined as a traditional theater form encompassing dialogue, narrative, acting, dance, singing, and instrumental music.

Mek Mulung began spreading in areas such as Paya Kulubi and later Perik. However, it initially failed to gain popularity in Perik and was subsequently brought to Wang Tepus, where it garnered significant local attention, becoming a yearly traditional performance. Some sources also trace its origin to Legor, Siam, introduced to Kedah during the Kedah-Siam conflicts. However, its roots are widely acknowledged to stem from Kampung Perit, later spreading to Mukim Kurung Itam, Kuala Nerang, and villages such as Kampung Belukar Mulung, Kampung Paya Keladi, and eventually Kampung Wang Tepus, Jitra, Kedah.