This memorial offers an opportunity for friends, family, and Performance Space New York/P.S 122 community to come together and celebrate the life and work of P.S. 122 co-founder, Charles Dennis. Across the evening, Dennis’ collaborators will present a commemorative program with performances, rotating short films, and an open floor for those called to share a memory, perform a song, and remember the incredible contributions of Charles Dennis to the organization and performance at large.
 
A core member of Robert Wilson’s Byrd Hoffman School of Byrds, Charles performed in many of Wilson’s early works, including the original cast of Einstein on the Beach. He later joined Charles Moulton, Tim Miller, Gabrielle Lansner, and Peter Rose in occupying the former public school building in the East Village and founding P.S. 122 – the org now known as Performance Space New York.
 
The way Charles and his fellow artists led P.S. 122 deeply shaped who we are, and remains central to our DNA and mission. The recent New York Times obituary that traces his life/work quotes co-founder Charles Moulton: “When a piece didn’t work, Charles encouraged booing. Failure was necessary.”
 
We extend deep gratitude to Charles for his fearless spirit as Performance Space New York and the world of downtown New York performance would not be what they are without his singular contributions. Additionally, our sincerest condolences to his widow and P.S. 122 alum, Mona. As part of our 2026/2027 season, we gather for this memorial and hope you will join us to celebrate his life, his spirit, and the worlds Charles helped make possible.