Constructing Gender in the Performance of "Bermulanya Di Sini…Kedah Tua"

Abstract

This study explores the theoretical basis for the music composition that accompanies the theatre play "Bermulanya di Sini...Kedah Tua". One of the main approaches of the music composition is the symbolic associations of gendering that can be derived from the narrative text of the play. Through referencing various arguments regarding the idea of gender, particularly the concept of gender as discursive and as the somatic, the music composition approach addresses the meaning of gendering and signification symbolically. In general, the formulation for the referencing of gender in the music does not privilege either one of the two categories of argument regarding gender as either textual or a corporeal factor. These structuring of the somatic are taken into consideration with the artistic license taken advantage in the composition process. Essentially, the music reflects the richness of gender associations that can be derived from the narrative text to illustrate that gendering is a malleable signifier.