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.

YES to Artists
YES to Risks
YES to Community
YES to Every Body
YES to ___________*

*What else should we say YES to? Share your ideas with us here.

Luminaries talk about complex ideas with kids. More

First Mondays: Readings of New Works in Progress is an ongoing series which shares accomplished writers’ processes as they are happening and gives us an intimate insight into their new work in-progress, long before publication or performances. More

Octopus continues Performance Space’s legacy of artist-centric programming and creating space for the exploration of ideas free from expectations. More

Knowledge of Wounds focuses on the intersections of Indigeneity, gender, sexuality, and the body. This virtual iteration creates new spaces for knowledge exchange between First Nations communities across the world. More

A space for community members to meet, rest, and work. More

We’re happy to welcome back the public to our theater spaces. In an effort to keep our audience safe and in compliance with New York City’s vaccine mandate, all visitors 12 years of age and older must show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination to join us here at Performance Space New York. Accepted proof of vaccination includes NYC COVID Safe app, New York State Excelsior Pass, CDC Vaccination Card (or photo), or NYC Vaccination Record.

Please take a look at our safety guidelines to help you prepare for your visit. More