PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

This study investigates the adaptation of movements and elements in Randai performances by dramatists in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, examining how traditional forms have been modified through cultural, creative, communal, and innovative processes. Originating from West Sumatra, Indonesia, Randai is a Minangkabau folk theatre that blends music, dance, silat (martial arts), and storytelling, typically staged in a circular formation. Introduced to Negeri Sembilan through cultural migration, Randai has since undergone significant localisation. The study addresses the lack of appreciation for the artistic value of Malaysian martial arts particularly Randai and scarcity of visual documentation in existing literature. Adopting a qualitative case study approach, the research is based on field observations and semi-structured interviews with performers and cultural practitioners. Findings reveal that Randai in Jelebu incorporates varied movement influences including silat Gayung Patani, silat Gayung Malaysia, Seni Silat Tanah Bahru, and animal-inspired gestures drawn from the tiger, monkey, and eagle. These adaptations not only enhance performance aesthetics but also reflect local identity, communal values, and the creative localisation of a previously foreign form. The study underscores how movement functions as a core medium of innovation, allowing Randai to remain relevant while preserving its cultural roots. In conclusion, the transformation of Randai in Jelebu illustrates how traditional performance can evolve dynamically through regional expression. This article foregrounds movement as the foundation of Randai’s contemporary identity, positioning it as a living heritage shaped by ongoing adaptation, creativity, and localised martial artistry.