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traditions, and practises (Radzuan & Sukri, 2019). The administration of customary law in the
state of Negeri Sembilan is governed by the legal framework known as Adat Perpatih. The Adat

Perpatih is a customary legal system that remains in active practice in contemporary times. The
term "custom" refers to a habitual practise that has been widely accepted by a society and then
passed down through generations to the local population. By virtue of this recognition and
acknowledgment, the preservation and perpetuation of Adat Perpatih can be ensured by the
Malay community residing in Negeri Sembilan (Radzuan, 2023). Hence, the local administration
must prioritise preserving culture to ensure Adat Pepatih's continuity for future generations.

Hence, Performances have the potential to encompass multiple dimensions
simultaneously. The cultural practices have the capacity to exhibit artistic ability, reflective
thought, and value, all the while embodying elements of both conventionality and novelty.

Consequently, the distinctiveness of each performance arises from its particular conditions,
encompassing historical, social, economic, political, and personal factors (Brown et al., 2019).

According to Bernama (2012), Adat Perpatih was recognised as part of the national
heritage by the Department of National Heritage in Malaysia in 2012 under the intangible culture
category. To preserve this culture, the government has made an effort. In 2022, the Ministry of
Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) allocated a fund specifically aimed at supporting cultural acts
as a means to aid the organization's post-pandemic recovery efforts. As a result of the prevailing
circumstances, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has designated Kelab Teater
Asar Negeri Sembilan(KTANS) as one of the recipients of the grant.

KTANS has been recognised as a notable organisation promoting and empowering the
concept of Adat Pepatih since 2018. This organisation has received various acknowledgments for

its artwork in preserving intangible culture and in light of its historical and cultural value, KTANS
has conceived the notion of preserving the Adat Pepatih tradition through theatrical
performances.

The objective of the present study is to undertake an in-depth exploration of the local
wisdom that has been utilized in Tanjong Theater, which is primarily focused on representing adat
pepatih. The utilization of local wisdom is an essential aspect of this study, as it plays a crucial role
in shaping the cultural identity of the community and preserving the heritage of the region.

The theater has a rich history that spans several decades, and its performances have been

an integral part of the cultural fabric of the community. The study seeks to uncover the nuances
of the local wisdom incorporated in the theater performances and analyze how they contribute
to the preservation of cultural heritage.

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