'Gender (and its experiments) and performance are merely another metaphor for the unknown' (Fiona Shaw in Goodman and de Gay (eds) 1998, xxv).

The first 200 words of this essay...

'Gender (and its experiments) and performance are merely another metaphor for the unknown' (Fiona Shaw in Goodman and de Gay (eds) 1998, xxv).

'Gender' and 'performance' are both terms that are being defined and redefined constantly. Talking about them collectively broadens the scope of definition. This then suggests that they are indeed 'merely another metaphor for the unknown'. If there is no clear definition that may be challenged then it is correct to mark that term as unknown. Lizbeth Goodman (1993) writes that 'the most difficult thing about writing on feminist theatres is reaching a definition, or set of definitions, of the term 'feminist' with which both theorists and practitioners might agree.' The subject matter that is feminism is just a small category within the term gender. When we speak of gender the immediate response, from most, is to think about roles of men and women throughout history. This is a valid and popular talking point and therefore must be considered. Fiona Shaw challenged the typical role of women within 'classical' theatre and literature when she played Shakespeare's, King Richard the II at the National Theatre. This is a typical gender challenging production where she says she wanted: