동화기반 뮤지컬 ≪마틸다(Matilda)≫와 ≪난쟁이들≫의 젠더 정체성 연구

초록

The universal and diverse conduct of gender discussion in current society is now the most important issue at hand. The distinguishing of the sex into male and female, entailing the dichotomy of the identity continues to exist today. However, the global rise of feminism has slowly changed the societal understanding on gender and its impacts have reached the performing arts industry. Out of the many performing arts genres, musicals’ attempt at gender-free castings is increasing the tendency towards the diversification of gender roles. Being observable from the perspective of gender identity, the musicals <Matilda> and <Dwarfs> were selected and analyzed using Judith Butler’s gender theory. Both musicals are based on children’s stories portraying clear stereotypes regarding gender, so this study hopes to suggest how gender in children’s stories may be reinterpreted through musicals. Through the comparison and analysis of the original text as children’s stories, performance text as the script, and the performance embodied on stage, performative gender identities have clearly been shown through the characters on stage, which enables the disintegration of patriarchy and the dismantling of the discourse of domination. Also, through the observation of drag, where a male actor performs a female role, the performative overturning of parodied gender identity was perceived. The inducing of parodied laughter also enables the re-signification and re-contextualization of gender instability. This study finds its purpose as a case study on how gender identity, which has morphed over time, is portrayed in the musical genre through scripted dialogues and action. This study will function as a keystone towards the creation of characters that dismantle gender boundaries, while possessing various gender identities throughout the performing arts industry including musicals, plays, and dance pieces. The viewing audience will then be provided the chance to probe the questionable nature of gender and the chance to demolish the gender discourse. With the anticipation towards newly substantiated gender perceptions, this study aspires to expand on the discussion of gender and change its trajectory.

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