although waldy was taken as a porter, wirjo taught him stage techniques as well. waldy's parents ultimately decided to support his career and help him learn to lead a cabaret. in the early 1930s, waldy joined a variety of troupes, including faroka opera and grand nooran opera. he toured the maritime southeast asia, reaching siam and the malay peninsula, and further refined his craft with the input of actors such as rd ismail. in 1938, he attempted to establish his own troupe. named vaudeville, it was unsuccessful and quickly folded.