Over the last 4 decades, Performance Space New York (formerly Performance Space 122) has been propelling cultural, theoretical, and political discourse forward. Founded in 1980, Performance Space became a haven for many queer and radical voices shut out by a repressive, monocultural mainstream and conservative government whose neglect exacerbated the emerging AIDS epidemic’s devastation. Carrying forward the multitudinous visions of these artists who wielded the political momentum of self-expression amidst the intensifying American culture wars, Performance Space is one of the birthplaces of contemporary performance as it is known today. Together with our artists and communities, we have been presenting interdisciplinary works that dissolve the borders of performance art, dance, theater, music, visual art, poetry and prose, ritual, nightlife, food, film, and technology. We are committed to centering those who have been historically excluded from spaces like ours.
Our 2025/2026 season examines our city through the lens of artists that live elsewhere in the country and world, but have family, friends, community, and memories here. We find hope, resistance, and common-ground in diaspora, education, conversation, partying, and shared communal space.
Highlighting new works and debuts from across nations and generations, cultivating personal and communal practices, we hold our mission of saying YES to ARTISTS at center. More
Color Theories
Alternative Education
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Critique Cabaret
We Exist in the Ambivalence of Those Motherfuckers
Mister Cobra
Aguas Frescas
In Residence
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First Mondays: Readings of New Works In Progress
Open Movement – Fall 2025First Mondays allows us to share in accomplished writers’ processes as they are happening and gives us an intimate insight into their new works in-progress, long before publication or performances. More
TheatricalForge Project transforms our lobby community gallery space, Open Room, as a part of a year-long installation and residency, offering visitors a place for respite, exchange, and contemplation. Centering Indigenous place-based knowledges, creative practice, and critical engagement through reading lists, video works, workshops, performance and discussion-based activations open to the public throughout the residency period, the space will also host closed door convenings facilitated by and for Native people. More