Lyties performatyvumo ir pornoptikono vizualizacija: Gintaro Varno spektaklio „Publika“ atvejis
Visualisation of gender performativity and pornopticon: case study of the performance “Publika” by Gintaras Varnas

Summary/Abstract: This article briefly overviews the theory of gender performativity and its statements which claim that gender and sexuality are an unstable, constantly changing and transgressive construct. Furthermore, this article applies the established sexual stereotypes in the context of the analysed cultural gender category. This appropriation of standards also criticizes stereotypes that unify individuals in a society. The theory of gender performativity confronts with the established connotations by avowing all aspects of gender and sexuality while denying the authenticity of heterosexuality. This article also presents the application means of gender performativity in gay communities, where the pornopticon territory is established due to the emerging erotic energy. Distinct tendencies of gay subcultures emerge in the context of pornopticon. There are three gay subcultures analysed in the article (Radical Faeries, Leathermen, Bears) each of which has a unique uniform and community free time practices. However, these subcultures are not immune to the stereotypes which stigmatize gays who do not conform to the canons imposed by the society.The performance “Publika” created by G. Varnas in 2010 is analysed based on the discussed theoretical perspectives. The analysis of the performance presents the punchy visual images of homosexual men common to gay subcultures. It should be noted that the tendencies of leathermen and radical faeiries gay communities are represented in the performance “Publika”, as are the characteristics of twink homosexuals. The performance reveals the acts of performativity in cases of characters juggling not only their identities but also the identities of others. The characters of the performance create the area of pornopticon by using the power of homosexual gaze in internecine interactions and while applying the erotized energy of their bodies. This visualised pornopticon is expressed by the images of stereotyped gay subcultures. The characters continually cite the ironically applied stereotypes of femininity and masculinity and create a performative territory of gender and sex games, while at the same time deconstructing the aforementioned established stereotypes by embodying them. This article reveals the fact that the characters of the performance “Publika” by G. Varnas become a hegemonic power and destruct the heteropatriarchic authority. They also present a multidimensional spread of gender and sexuality, as well as reveal their never-ending transgression, which becomes erotically dynamic in the context of pornopticon.

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