The Story Of Didik Nini Thowok Being A Manten Shaman In The Film 'Women' Carrier "

Didik Nini Thowok (doc. VOI)

JAKARTA - Didik Nini Thowok's professional dancer has become a manten shaman for the film Perempuan Pembawa Siai. She plays Mbah Warso, a manten shaman who is in charge of dressing up the bride and groom.

Born and living in a culture, Didik Nini Thowok was once a manten shaman before pursuing a career as a dancer.

"Incidentally, I was a manten shaman, but I have left my profession but because I studied my profession. I am very happy (with this film) especially Mas Fajar (Nugros) carrying out Javanese traditions because many manten shamans now don't know traditions like sembogo, so I play a total role," said Didik Nini Thowok at a press conference for the film Perempuan Sikula in South Jakarta on Wednesday, September 10.

"I had difficulty finding materials because it was not produced because it was affected by modernization, so looking for materials was difficult. I also consulted with a sanskrit expert and he could read the inscription. I opened a spell book for the original bride from a fund romance," he explained.

In this film, the 70-year-old dancer also wears a mask that has existed since the '80s. He also performed his dance in the film for an interesting scene.

"This plate is old age. This mask is from Bali, from bone paint. So in the past, it was to paint the acrylic from the bones of animals but there were also using human bones," continued Didik Nini Thowok.

"In acting there will be improvisations. I was released a lot by the director and appeared on the spot. I also shared with Mas Fajar about cheating and I was interested in Mas Fajar bringing Laweyan and it was different from the original but similar," he said.

Meanwhile, the acting of Didik Nini Thowok can be seen in the film Perempuan Pembawa Sisel will be shown in Indonesian cinemas starting September 18, 2025.