Career Development of Travesti Artists in East Javanese Ludruk: Artistic Skills, Work Diversification, and Professional Identity

Abstract

Travesti artists play an important role in maintaining the tradition of Ludruk performance in East Java. Beyond their stage roles, their artistic experiences may also provide opportunities to develop skills and pursue other forms of work. This study describes the career development of travesti artists at Ludruk Karya Budaya in Mojokerto, focusing on artistic skills, work diversification, and professional identity. A qualitative narrative design was used. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three travesti artists and one key informant, then analyzed thematically. The findings show that career development takes place through learning, performance experience, group support, and the development of skills aligned with each artist’s interests and potential. These experiences are associated with different career paths, including makeup services, wedding-related businesses, healthcare activities, and other artistic work. The findings suggest that travesti artists’ careers are not limited to the Ludruk stage but may also develop through other forms of work that shape diverse professional identities. However, these opportunities remain influenced by access to employment, resources, and support from the surrounding environment.