What is Randai?
[[File:Randai Seni Pertunjukan.jpg|thumb|270x270px|A group performing the Randai.]] '''Randai''' ([[Arabic alphabet|Jawi]]: رنداي) is a [[traditional]] [[Theatre|theater]] show of the Minangkabau people in [[West Sumatra]], [[Indonesia]]. It includes [[music]], [[singing]], [[dance]], [[drama]], and the [[martial art]] of silat. Usually, Randai is performed during special events and [[Festival|festivals]], like [[Eid al-Fitr|Eid al-fitr]], with long stories that go on for many [[Night|nights]]. The performances are done in a [[circle]] to make everyone feel equal and connected.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Pauka|first1=Kirstin|last2=Askovic|first2=Ivana|last3=Polk|first3=Barbara|date=2003|title=Umbuik Mudo and the Magic Flute: A Randai Dance-Drama|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/atj.2003.0025|journal=Asian Theatre Journal|volume=20|issue=2|pages=113–146|doi=10.1353/atj.2003.0025|issn=1527-2109}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cohen|first=Matthew Isaac|date=2003|title=Look at the Clouds: Migration and West Sumatran 'Popular' Theatre|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0266464X03000125/type/journal_article|journal=New Theatre Quarterly|language=en|volume=19|issue=3|pages=214–229|doi=10.1017/S0266464X03000125|issn=0266-464X}}</ref> Randai combines [[martial arts]] moves, [[Song|songs]], and [[Drama|dramatic]] scenes, often using Minangkabau stories and [[Legend|legends]] for its stories. Leading the performance is a [[person]] called the ''panggoreh'', who guides the moves and sets the pace with [[vocal]] cues called dendang or Gurindam. This makes sure that the Randai goes smoothly and in [[rhythm]]. Since a Randai story can last from 1 to 5 hours or more, if the panggoreh gets tired, someone else might take over.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Cohen|first=Matthew Isaac|date=2003|title=Look at the Clouds: Migration and West Sumatran 'Popular' Theatre|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S0266464X03000125/type/journal_article|journal=New Theatre Quarterly|language=en|volume=19|issue=3|pages=21