Above gender : doing drag, performing authentically, and defying the norms of gender through performance in Cape Town

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis that is to be presented discusses the performance of drag and gender in Cape Town– namely Bubbles Bar. I argue that the performance of gender on stage through theperformance of drag challenges the norms and ideas of gender in South Africa. Through theact of non-normative staged gendered performance, the participants of this study alsochallenge stereotypes and stigma around this in relation to the social norms and regulationsthat are asserted on the individual presentation and performance of gender and sexuality. Iargue that the performance of gender in relation to the stage asserts the situational characterof gender performance through the staged performance of drag. I assert that the stagedperformance of gender is made authentic by the audience who views and understands theperformance as a performance of drag, and a performance of gender.The performance of drag is considered an act of transgression. Transgression in SouthAfrican society is policed through acts of oppression, social and sometimes physical violence.This act of transgression is performed through drag which is viewed as an act of nonnormativegender performance. The perception of transgression places those who performgender in a non-normative fashion upon the margins. However, that the performers are actingabove gender places the performance on a higher plain.The theatrical methods, and inclusion of the audience in the performance that are used as aform of entertainment allows the participants in this research project to humanize thegendered performance of non-normativity by education through the art of their performance.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University