A performance was a live presentation of a work of art to an audience.
Although he lacked the emotional capabilities to follow the technique correctly, Data adapted "The Method" to suit his situation by using performance to generate an emotional awareness – effectively reversing the process. (TNG: "Devil's Due")
Some time before 2383, a slave owner ran a show featuring enslaved performers staging theatrical battles. A Brikar named Rok-Tahk performed in the show as a stage fighter. Due to her physique, she played the role of "The Monster", and she had to fight and lose to "The Hero" during each performance. Some audience members even got to meet The Hero after the show. Initially happy with her lot, Rok grew disenchanted with her role, especially when it became clear that members of the audience loved The Hero, but were afraid of her. One day, she sabotaged the show so that she would be the hero. Unfortunately, the owner was not amused, and sold her to a Kazon slaver since "people didn't come to see a Monster be a Hero". (PRO: "Preludes")
In 2384, Enderprizians of the colony New Enda-Prize performed stage plays to pass down the history of En Son, a Starfleet officer who crash-landed on their planet, both bringing new ideas and technology to their pre-warp civilization, as well as warning them of the dangers from his Shuttlecraft's crash site. The Enderprizians were enthusiastic whether they were acting in or attending these performances, which they called "playing the logs." (PRO: "All the World's a Stage")