The term 'gender' is constructed on the basis of socio- culturally classification of masculinity and femininity. So, gender performance means daily practices and performace based on socio-culturally classification of masculinity and femininity. The femininity is mostly associated with female; on the other hand masculinity is mostly associted with male. There is a definite performance for male and female on the basis of their gender identity in the society. Despite the definite structured gender performance in societies, there has been cross gender performance where plays opposite gender roles.
Sattriya dance and Ankiya bhaona in Assam are found as a form of cross gender performance. The sattriya dance form is one of the classical dance forms of India. Along with the dance form, the ankiya bhaona, a dance drama which established to the religious space called satra of Assam. Satras are mainly two types: grihasti(non-monastic) and udakhin (monastic) satras. In udakhin (monastic) satra, the inhabitants of the satraare only men. Therefore, during dance and drama performances in udakhin satra, all roles of men and women are done by men.
So, here there is a question arises that being a socially constructed men, how can one play a role of opposite gender? Therefore, the aim of the paper is to explore the self-presentation and lived experience in both off-stage and on-stage of a performer who performs cross gender role during dance and drama. The paper is also an outcome of qualitative research based on ethnographic study mainly conducted at uttar kamalabari satra, Majuli, Assam.
