It is a form of traditional performance presented by a troupe of actors (or comedians) on a stage, re-telling the life stories of everyday people and their struggles.

Its origin is unclear, but it is believed to be dated as far back as the 13th century.

The actors would almost always use the Surabaya dialect of Javanese language, although sometimes there can be occasional guest stars from other areas, such as Jombang, Malang, Madura, and Madiun, each of whom would use their own dialect.

It is occasionally interspersed with jokes and accompanied by gamelan to form a musical performance.

Both genres focus on delivering a particular moral message, but ludruk tells stories about everyday life, and mostly that of the underprivileged.