Interesting that you use the word performing. In Dutch (I don't know if it's the same in English), 'to wear a mask' refers to acting unlike your true self, often used to describe people in social or corporate settings. One has different masks for different settings. I think a lot of people, myself included, wear their masks more often than they would want. I've always struggled with revealing my truer, incomplete and imperfect self to the people around me - the fear of rejection by my peers has long been one of my greatest fears. When I went to Canada as an exchange student, I both had a lot of time on my own to reflect and had the freedom to be myself to everyone. I won't say it wasn't a struggle at times, but I do think it made me realize that I can be at peace with myself. That the masks aren't really necessary. Becoming at peace with oneself is a long and arduous process, but every process has a first step. “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” - not Dr. Seuss.
Even more importantly, everyone NOT wearing a mask can see everyone who IS wearing a mask. Rooms becomes WAY more interesting when you aren't "performing", and just being genuine, because then you can watch everyone else performing. Which is really everyone just announcing their own insecurities at the top of their lungs. Like monkeys in a cage, man... ...the masks aren't really necessary...