Ngudi Upo Offstage

To survive, actors in wayang orang and ketoprak traditional Javanese theater must depend on part-time work. What makes them continue to do it?

May 6, 2003

SWEAT poured off the body of Nano Pramudio, 49. His dark skin had been tanned by the sun. His white T-shirt and black trousers that had stuck to his body were both soaked. His forehead glistened. From time to time he used his brown batik cloth headband to wipe his face. His stomach was satisfied, filled with a lunchtime menu that he felt to be the most delicious on earth: rice, sour vegetable soup, plus salted fish. In his pocket he had Rp7,500.

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