History, Modification, and Contextualization of Toyomarto-Singosari Ludruk in the Covid-19 Pandemic

Ludruk is one of the local cultures of East Java that still survives in some areas to this day. This article attempts to describe the innovation strategy and local ludruk management of Toyomarto Village that is adaptive to the pandemic. In addition, this research is also an implementation of efforts to preserve and maintain local arts in East Java. One area in East Java that still preserves Ludruk culture is Toyomarto Village, Singosari District, Malang. The demands of the times require that the performing arts of Ludruk always undergo changes (transformation) both in the structure of the performance, the story that is told, acting, musical accompaniment, lighting, and others. It is the duty of art activists to always think creatively and innovatively, as well as modify Ludruk performances so that they can be accepted by the community, with a note that they maintain their traditional values. This qualitative research integrates folkloristic studies and text content analysis. The research data obtained through interviews and observations were then described with folklore studies and content analysis techniques.