Ki Purbo Asmoro before a performance of "Sumilaking Pedhut Astina"  at Gedhung AKA, South Jakarta, March 2007
photo courtesy of Prapto Panuju

Purbo Asmoro was born in Dersana, Pacitan, East Java in 1961. He is able to trace his lineage back to at least six generations of practicing dhalang, and many more beyond that, according to family legend. Purbo Asmoro is the first dhalang in his family however to be formally educated, holding a Master’s Degree in Performance Art from UGM, one of the most prestigious universities in Indonesia.

Currently a professor of pedhalangan at ISI (Institute of Indonesian Arts), Purbo Asmoro divides his time between teaching and an active performing career. He has both a dedicated, academic following and a broad-based, enthusiastic community of fans across Java.

Purbo Asmoro  is particularly well-known for his ability to be innovative and yet highly respectful of and well-versed in classical tradition at the same time.

While current trends in wayang kulit often range from the extreme avant-garde to a tableaux of exclusively light entertainment, Purbo Asmoro is steadfast in his adherence to wayang kulit as philosophy, oral literature, and food for thought presented in a dramatic  and entertaining style.

Purbo Asmoro is married to Sudi Rahayu, an SMKI dance graduate and sindhen from Purwadadi, and they have two sons: Indhung Prabancana, 22, and Kukuh Indrasmara, 17. Both are pursuing careers in the performing arts.

* "priyayi" can be translated as a  combination of  refined, classy,  educated, and gentlemanly.