Didik Nini Thowok

Didik Nini Thowok is a much sought after artist in Indonesia. His multiple talents include dance, choreography, drama, comedy and the overall performance art of mime-acting-singing. Presented by Sutra Dance Theatre, Didik will perform two dances from different areas of Indonesia.

Topeng Walang Kekek illustrates three different female dispositions: the beautiful, the ugly and the old. The choreography fuses three ethnic Indonesian dance styles: Javanese, Sundanese and Balinese, and incorporates a traditional Japanese dance technique (Nihon Boyu). This new choreography is Didik’s masterpiece.

Beskalan Putri is a cross-gender dance from the Malang area of East Java, in which men dress and act as women. In the past, this dance was normally performed for village-cleansing ceremonies, for vow statements, and as the opening for Lerok or Ludruk performances. Today, women also perform Beskalan Putri, and the dance has developed into a form of entertainment performed only for opening events of Ludruk art.

Date/Time: 16 April 2003 @ 8.45 pm

Venue: Amphi-Sutra, (Sutra House)
12 Persiaran Titiwangsa 3, Kuala Lumpur

Entry: Minimum donation of RM30 each
Students: RM20 each
(limited to fifty invitations only and student identification required)

Tel: 03 โ€“ 4022 9669 (11am โ€“ 5pm weekdays only)

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Didik’s unique style combining classical, folk, modern and comedic dance forms has brought him fame throughout Indonesia. He is one of the few artists who continues the long tradition of “cross gender” dance.

His talents include impersonating female characters as well as his incredible skill in various dance traditions such as the Topeng (mask dance), Sundanese, Cirebon, Balinese, and of course Central Javanese. His performances have on many occasions dumbfounded the audience with regard to the sex of the artist.

Didik has performed for dignitaries and received awards from Japan, Great Britain, Belgium, Germany and other countries around the world.

A foundation was established under Didik Nini Thowok’s name to support and help preserve the cultural and performing arts in Indonesia. Through this foundation, Didik is able to share his talent and passion in dancing, acting and choreography with children and aspiring artists who may be less fortunate.

He owns and operates a dance studio in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

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