Ludruk and village feasts in East Java, Indonesia

The dominant use of local languages, Javanese and Madurese in Ludruk, shown that the theatre is a constitutive expression of East Javanese social identity. Also, the itinerant troupe mode to villages and suburbs reflects the ancient characteristics of this popular theatre, besides the use of the complex Javanese calendar to determine the ‘auspicious’ day for the performance. At the early 20th century, ludruk performances flourished in Surabaya, an urban colonial was known as the "city of theatre". Ludruk was included in purely urban festivities, which were not associated with seasonal ceremonies or rituals in rural areas of East Java, such as the annual market (Jaarmarkt), Pasar Malam, fancy fair, or charity night. However, my surveys in recent years (2014-2022) have confirmed that Ludruk is only appreciated by community living in the rural and suburbs areas. I also observed the disappearance of ludruk tobong performances in the region, as had occurred in Surabaya with the closing of the last ludruk tobong in 2019. Today, there are only three troupes still operating paid performances in ludruk tobong. The occasion for ludruk to perform in Javanese villages, therefore, ensures the theatre's existence. Villagers regularly engage ludruk performances, not only to bring prestige to ceremonies and celebrations, but also to promote solidarity.