Theater and Martial Arts in West Sumatra

<div> <p><i>Randai</i> the popular folk theater tradition of the Minangkabau ethnic group in West Sumatra has evolved to include influences of martial arts storytelling and folk songs. <i>Theater and Martial Arts in West Sumatra</i> describes the origin development and cultural background of <i>randai</i> and highlights two recent developments: the emergence of female performers and modern staging techniques.</p> <p>This book also explores the indigenous martial arts form <i>silek</i> a vital part of <i>randai</i> today. The strong presence of <i>silek</i> is illustrated in the martial focus of the stories that are told through <i>randai</i> in its movement repertoire and even in its costumes and musical accompaniment. As Kirstin Pauka shows <i>randai</i> firmly rooted in <i>silek</i> and Minangkabau tradition is an intriguing mirror of the Minangkabau culture.</p> </div>