The choice of languages in daily communication among members of East Javanese society is discussed, as illustrated in language choice in performances of "ludruk," the East Javanese folk play. Data are drawn from audiocassette ludruk recordings, which are seen as depicting contemporary East Javanese society. First, the ethnic makeup of the East Javanese population is described, and results of analysis of the recordings are presented. The analysis looked at the ethnic origins of the actors, the language styles and dialects spoken, and factors determining selection of language or dialect, including social status, age, gender, mood, education and sophistication level, and role and relationship of the interlocutors. Factors restricting code use, and patterns of code mixing and code switching, are also discussed. The codes used in the cassettes analyzed included Indonesian, Krama and Ngoko Javanese, and Madurese, with Ngoko Javanese used most, then Krama Javanese, Madurese, and Indonesian, in that descending order of frequency. Switching between the two Javanese dialects, often without intent, is common and creates amusing situations. These code choices are seen as reflecting the communicative code choices of the population as a whole. Contains 14 references and a sample ludruk dialogue. (MSE)