Gender & performance

This Yearbook for Women’s History (Jaarboek voor Vrouwengeschiedenis) examines the theme of gender and performance. It is supervised by guest editor Kati Röttger, professor in Theatre Studies at the University of Amsterdam. The term performance - a temporary and active presentation, expression, or act - operates within cultural practices, media and genres. In addition, performative acts can be related to the creation and experience of identity, different from ‘acting’ a role. Gender theory in particular has shown that gender identities are realised through the very act of performing and (re)acting, by quoting and repeating norms. On the other hand, one can play with these identities by acting against stereotyped patterns.