The aesthetic transformation of Kaili traditional oral literature into theater: A cross-art and interdisciplinary approach

Kaili oral literature constitutes an important cultural heritage of Central Sulawesi that contains narratives, aesthetic expressions, social values, cultural symbols, and collective knowledge transmitted through generations. Forms such as Vaino, Dadendate, Kayori, and other oral traditions are not merely verbal expressions but are embedded in musical, performative, social, and ritual contexts. This study examines the aesthetic transformation of Kaili oral literary traditions into theatrical performance through an interdisciplinary and interart approach. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach with literature review, cultural documentation, and interpretive analysis as the main strategies. The analysis focuses on the transformation of narrative structure, language, vocal expression, musical elements, bodily movement, cultural symbols, spatial arrangement, costume, and theatrical dramaturgy. The findings indicate that transformation does not simply transfer an oral text into a written drama script but reconstructs the traditional aesthetic system into an integrated performance language. Vaino, for example, provides dialogic, rhythmic, poetic, and performative resources that can be developed into dramatic dialogue, while traditional musical instruments, local expressions, gestures, costumes, and cultural symbols contribute to the visual and auditory identity of the performance. The transformation therefore constitutes a process of negotiation between cultural continuity and artistic innovation. An interdisciplinary approach involving literary studies, theater studies, anthropology, cultural studies, music, and education can strengthen the contextualization and sustainability of Kaili oral traditions in contemporary performing arts.