Author(s)

Xuyang Su

Corresponding Author

Xuyang Su

ABSTRACT

This dissertation analyses Matthew Bourne's version of Swan Lake from the perspective of gender narrative because it creatively uses a male as the swan, showing the connection between the work and social gender norms through the narrative of gender perspective, breaking the unequal status of the two genders under the traditional conception of hegemony, opposition, and binary framework, and providing a new choreographic idea for dance choreographers. Therefore, this paper will discuss the three aspects of gender image, narrative strategy, and gender consciousness, using the gender narrative theory extended by feminist narratology through Judith Butler's concept of "gender performativity,” the concept of "masculinity,” Yu Ping's structural elements and structural forms of dance theatre creation. Freud’s psychoanalysis analyzes how Matthew Bourne designed the plot of the dance theatre by constructing and using gender images and ultimately conveying the gender consciousness contained in it. Finally, the above analysis explores the gender constructed in the dance drama, the values pursued in work, and the transmission of gender awareness.

KEYWORDS

Matthew Bourne's version of Swan Lake; Gender narrative; Gender performativity; Queer studies; Choreography