Bangsawan is a type of traditional Malay opera. It was known to developed from a sort of Indian theater performance during the 19th century by visiting Indian travellers.

Bangsawan is similar in western opera where certain character are played during performance but with stories drived from diverse sources: Indian, Western, Islamic, Chinese, Indonesian and Malay. Music, dance and costumes are used depending on the story told.

Nowadays it is hardly to find any bangsawan troupes in Malaysia.