About the Company
Peculiar Works Project was founded in 1993 by Ralph Lewis, Catherine Porter and Barry Rowell to create fresh, intelligent performance that is accessible and fun for diverse audiences. Using various artistic disciplines in unique combinations, PWP creates original works that challenge the conventions of medium, structure and process in an alternative context. We encourage collaboration, experimentation and a rebel spirit in creative artists by providing the tools and opportunities for their artistic visions to be realized.
Michael Tomlinson performs Diane di Prima's Monuments: Freddy's Monologue in OFF Stage: the West Village Fragments, 2006
From initial concept to full production, PWP originates and develops both intimate theatrical works utilizing multi-media design, and large-scale performance events that breathe life into entire NYC buildings. We perform in unconventional spaces because we believe unique sites impact the work, this work in turn impacts the site, and audiences then experience both in surprising new ways. In landmark buildings, gutted storefronts and other peculiar locations throughout NYC, these site-specific productions take our work directly into local communities.
Gabriel Shanks's Stealing Pears, the finale to In Praise of Folly: the Don Quixote Project, 2004
Since beginning as a play reading series over two summers, PWP has made development central to our artistic process. With the core program, Peculiar WorkSites, we commission collaborative teams from a wide variety of artistic disciplines to create new performances for unique sites. The company provides workspace, technical support, material resources and financial compensation while the artistic leadership guides their collaboration. Each team has the opportunity to explore across disciplinary lines and, through the presentation of public workshops, receive crucial audience feedback.

By building partnerships with other organizations, PWP creates opportunities that bring this unusual work to new and growing audiences. Some successful past productions were co-produced with the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, Judson Church, HERE Arts Center, Dixon Place, Soho ThinkTank, The Culture Project, Gertrude Stein Rep, CHARAS/El Bohio Community Center and the Downtown Arts Festival, among others.

PWP has presented more than 80 projects and performance events over the years, supporting more than 100 artists each year in innovative creations like In Praise of Folly: the Don Quixote Project, The Beggar’s Opera, the acclaimed Judson House Project, It's Good Enough for Me, Privileged & Confidential, BIG ART in small places, and many more. Several of these productions have been singled out in The New York Times, American Theatre, Wired, The Village Voice, Time Out NY, Digital Coast Weekly and Stage Directions; honored with a Back Stage Bistro award and Helen Hayes nomination; and published by Dramatic Publishing Company.

Protecting the exterior lighting in The Judson House Project, 2000