The purpose of this research is to determine (1) the emergence of female directors in theater performances in Surakarta in 1998-2006, (2) the artistic process carried out by female directors in theater performances in Surakarta in 1998-2006, and (3) the influence of female directors in performances. theater in Surakarta 1998-2006.

This research is historical research (History), through 4 research stages, namely (1) heuristics (data collection), (2) source criticism (internal and external criticism), (3) interpretation (analysis), and (4) historiography (writing History). Data sources come from sources, archives, photos, books, journals and the internet. Data collection techniques use interviews and documentation. Data analysis uses historical data analysis techniques or historical analysis.

The results of this research show (1) The emergence of female directors in theater performances in Surakarta in 1998-2006 was marked by the performance Joko Bodo directed by Arni Ferra Sinatra (1997) and the performance Egon directed by Retno Sayekti Wisik Lawu Purbo Utami (2002). (2) The artistic process of the two female directors began when they joined the campus theater, followed by their participation in large theaters in Surakarta, making Ferra and Lawu produce works that were shown in theater performances (1998-2006). (3) The influence of female directors in theater performances in Surakarta in 1998-2006 can be seen in their productions which gave rise to the female gaze and were able to develop a new theater community in Surakarta.