Performed Identities

Through their performances, professional performance artists construct self-identities. They put themselves into their work, for example in autobiographical songs or through developing a distinctive style, and over time they become known for the content and tone of their performances. In addition, private aspects of who they are can become part of their public persona and audiences relate both to the art that is produced and the story of the person producing it. This chapter examines the nature of artistic performers’ identity construction through a dramaturgical lens, the construction of artistic biographies and the precarious nature of identity and performance as audiences and co-performers change. The authors consider some implications of this analysis for potential areas of focus for identity research and for modes of undertaking such research.