Wayang orang is a traditional javanese theater often compared to western-style opera and performed to a gamelan ensemble. Established more than 40 years ago, the Wayang Orang Bharata is now the last surviving professional wayang orang troupe in Jakarta. It stages performances once a week, on Saturdays in a playhouse in Senen, Jakarta.

In an unusual arrangement, executives and socialites have performed on stage with the troupe, such as Indika Energy President Commissioner Wiwoho Basuki Tjokronegoro. “Becoming a wayang orang artist is not a matter of income. We do it solely because of a profound love for wayang orang—we want to keep alive Wayang Orang Bharata and this traditional art form,” says Marsam Mulyo Atmojo, head of the Wayang Orang Bharata association.

Photo Story By Ahmad Zamroni

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