Ludruk, the Folk Drama which Refuses to Die

Since it was first noted in 1907 as wong lorek, ludruk has continued to adapt itself, crossing the path of time and regime. The social anthropologist from the University of North Carolina, James L. Peacock, was fascinated by this form of art and wrote a book about it that eventually became a classic.

Ludruk, a popular theater which originated among the poor, has advanced: beginning in the form of ngamenbegging while singing, playing musical instruments or reciting prayersfrom village to village; to performing in public festivities and becoming part of a social and political struggle; and eventually developing into media for propaganda and commercial purposes. In its evolution through the various periods, many ludruk groups have succeeded and others have failed. Yet in whatever its form and however subtle, the humor and the spirit of protest continue to survive.