Abstract

This research article explores the intricate interplay between performative spaces and gender identity in Damon Galgut’s critically acclaimed novel, In a Strange Room. Drawing on Judith Butler’s theories of performativity and Michel Foucault’s discourse on the construction of identity within spatial contexts, this study aims to unravel the nuanced ways in which the characters in Galgut’s work negotiate and express their gender identities within the confines of specific spaces. This article investigates the concept of performative spaces in Damon Galgut’s novel, to understand how gender identity is constructed and challenged. The analysis focuses on the concept of “strange rooms” as liminal spaces where characters actively negotiate and perform their gender identities. By examining their dialogues, actions, and internal monologues within these shifting spaces, the article explores how performativity allows individuals to experiment with and express their gender. This analysis reveals the limitations of fixed gender categories and highlights the complexities of mapping gender identity solely through the lens of performance. The exploration of performativity in the novel contributes to a broader understanding of how social spaces influence the construction and expression of gender identity, moving beyond rigid definitions and emphasizing the fluidity of self-presentation.