Haute Event: Performance Space 122 Celebrates 30 Years with Downtown Fête

Performance Space 122, one of New York City’s most notable and progressive institutions for innovative theatre, dance, music, live art and multi-media, hosted it’s spring gala on Monday, April 25 at the Abrons Arts Center in the LES. This season marks the creative organization’s 30th anniversary of sustaining and presenting the contemporary work of pioneering artists. In 2011 alone, PS 122 will present collaborations from 35 different companies to an audience of more than 20,000. Monday night also highlighted the legendary and groundbreaking careers of performer Carmelita Tropicana, cabaret artist Justin Vivian Bond, and actor/playwright Danny Hoch.

The gala began with an intimate cocktail and passed hors d’œuvres, followed by live performances and tributes to the honorees (Hoch, Tropicana and Bond as pictured above) by singer Rufus Wainwright, theatre star Nilaja Sun, dancer-choreographer Ann Carlson, and others. PS 122 also honored its founders and key board members (Charles Dennis, Tim Miller, Charles Moulton, Peter Rose, Joe Donohue, Chet Kerr, Timothy J. McClimon, Pepon Osorio, Peggy Pettitt, and Kathy Spahn) with Shining Star Awards. A live auction followed the ceremonies, and included trips, experiences and artwork donated by the likes of New York City Opera, John Leguizamo, Van Cleef & Arpels, sculptor Tom Otterness, and philanthropist Eli Broad.

The night was brought to a close with fanciful desserts, Champagne, a silent auction, and more post-show merriment. Other luminaries in attendance at the gala included: Sandra Bernhard, playwright Eric Bogosian, producer Larry Fessenden, and designer Todd Thomas.

www.ps122.org

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