Berto_Tony_201307_PhD .pdf - University of Guelph

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25). Sinfield writes that "subordinated groups do not control their own representations" and
thus the ability for a subject to change from being perceived as effeminate is not always
under the subject's control (Sinfield, Wilde 46). Contemporary and historical theatre has
numerous narratives in which men attempt to control to little or no avail, perceptions that
they are effeminate (such as in Tea and Sympathy, or The Birdcage). Elliot's editing of his
speech on swans illustrates his inability to change others' perception of him, as he is
sexually harassed immediately after its delivery. In earlier drafts of the play, Elliot
desperately tries to eradicate signs of his effeminacy (MacLennan, Shooting 30 March 1997
Draft 30). Even for males who can control their public perception to minimise a suggestion
of effeminacy, such behaviours can be considered as enforced and falsifying an individual's
natural way of being. This resonates with gay men returning to, or being forced to stay in,
the closet. Such behaviors have long been considered damaging to an individual's
psychological well-being (Adams 238). Elliot's sexual preference is not made available to a
reader at play's end, but I contend that most readers would not presume it to have changed
because most Canadians believe homosexuality is an in-born part of a person's character
(Angus-Reid). When Elliot ceases to be effeminate, he appears closer to a heteronormative
alignment between gender performance and biological sex which seems to signify what, in
his own words, it means to be "fine" (MacLennan, Shooting 90). While the play partially
disengages effeminacy from homosexuality, and thus proposes that homosexuality is "fine,"
The Shooting Stage offers a problematic depiction of effeminacy. It presents it as the
impetus for Elliot's torment, and replays heteronormative constructs of power where
gendered performances that deviate from a masculine primacy are controlled violently.
While the text shows how non-normative expressions of gender can evoke homophobic