The Power of Persona: Unmasking Performance Art in Real Time

By Michael Kelman Portney

In life, as in performance, the most compelling figures are those who craft an identity so magnetic, so undeniably bold, that others can’t help but stop and take notice. Call it the art of the persona—a mix of performance art, philosophy, and a touch of chaos. While the world of pro wrestling might seem far removed from our everyday lives, the strategies wrestlers use to command attention can teach us how to build a persona that dominates any stage, whether it’s digital, personal, or professional.

But unlike pro wrestlers or magicians, I’m not hiding behind an illusion. My performance art is an honest exploration of how performance art works and why it’s so powerful. I’m not just using these techniques—I’m calling attention to them, deconstructing them, and inviting others to see the gears turning. In doing so, I’m making a statement about the power of performance art itself: how it shapes narratives, commands attention, and empowers individuals to take control of their story.

Step 1: Find Your Angle

Every persona starts with a question: what are you here to do, and why should anyone care? For me, the answer is clear: I’m here to make a statement about the power of performance art, celebrate autonomy, and provoke people into thinking critically. And I do this by embracing every interaction—positive or negative—as part of the art itself.

When detractors attempt to discredit or dismiss, I turn their critiques into opportunities to emphasize my purpose. A simple insult becomes a platform for reaffirming my commitment to autonomy, independence, and control of the narrative. My angle—turning every critique into proof of the art—remains constant.

Step 2: Turn Up the Volume

Once you know your angle, amplify it. A compelling persona isn’t subtle; it’s turned up to eleven.

For me, this means embracing bold statements that immediately grab attention and spark engagement. Declaring, “I’m engaging in post-modern performance art” or “I’m spinning nothing into gold” isn’t just a rhetorical flourish—it’s a deliberate choice to lean into the power of amplification. These statements don’t just provoke—they invite people to engage, question, and participate in the art itself.

Turning up the volume isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room—it’s about being the most magnetic, the one that can’t be ignored.

Step 3: Control the Frame

In wrestling, the best heels (the villains) never let anyone else dictate the narrative. They own the frame, even when the audience boos. A good persona does the same.

When someone challenges my methods or my message, I never meet them on their terms. Instead, I reframe the interaction in a way that aligns with my purpose. A critique isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to showcase how performance art works. By responding calmly, confidently, and with a deliberate focus on my goals, I maintain control of the frame and turn every exchange into a reinforcement of my message.

Step 4: Inject Playfulness

The most memorable personas know how to balance seriousness with a wink to the audience. In wrestling, this might be a cocky smirk or an over-the-top entrance. For me, it’s about humor and self-awareness.

When critics try to undermine my purpose, I often respond with playful exaggeration or irony. For example, thanking a detractor for “helping to promote me” might seem like sarcasm, but it’s also rooted in truth. Playfulness disarms hostility, invites curiosity, and turns what might have been a conflict into a moment of shared attention.

Playfulness isn’t just a tool for diffusing tension—it’s a reminder that performance art is meant to be engaging, dynamic, and, above all, fun.

Step 5: Leave Space for Interpretation

A good persona doesn’t give away everything. Ambiguity keeps people intrigued. Are you serious, or are you playing a character? Are you the villain, or are you the misunderstood hero?

When I leave statements open-ended, I’m not just being vague—I’m creating space for people to project their own meanings onto the art. This ambiguity invites participation, making the audience part of the performance. The questions they ask themselves about my intent are just as much a part of the art as my original statements.

Step 6: Connect It to a Bigger Vision

What separates performance art from a gimmick is purpose. A gimmick entertains in the moment; performance art builds a legacy.

Everything I do ties back to a larger statement about autonomy and the power of performance art. By openly sharing my techniques and motivations, I’m proving that performance art doesn’t need to rely on secrecy or deception to be impactful. It can be honest, transparent, and still command attention.

Whether reframing a critique, turning a dismissal into a declaration of purpose, or inviting others to see the gears turning, my persona is always tied to a bigger vision: empowering others to recognize the power of performance art in their own lives.

Step 7: Embrace the Chaos

Here’s the thing about crafting a persona as performance art: once it’s out there, it takes on a life of its own. People will interpret it, critique it, and try to twist it to fit their narratives. Let them. Chaos is part of the process.

The beauty of honest performance art is that it doesn’t shy away from unpredictability—it embraces it. Critics, detractors, and skeptics all become part of the performance, proving the point that engagement, even negative, fuels the art. Staying true to the core purpose—autonomy, control of the frame, and empowerment—ensures that every interaction strengthens the persona rather than weakening it.

Conclusion

The Persona Is You—But Bigger

A persona isn’t a mask you put on. It’s a mirror, reflecting back the most powerful parts of who you are. For me, that’s a mix of boldness, autonomy, and a refusal to let anyone else control the narrative. My persona is performance art in action: it’s how I navigate a world full of noise and make sure my voice is heard. But unlike other performances, I’m not hiding the tricks—I’m showing you how they work.

You don’t need a ring, a belt, or a crowd of screaming fans to craft a persona. All you need is the willingness to stand out, to amplify, and to own the space you’ve claimed. So find your angle. Turn up the volume. And get ready to see how far your story can take you.

And remember: it’s not about playing a role—it’s about becoming the person no one can ignore. And it’s about showing others that they can, too.