Permanent Collection

by Thomas Gibbons

Soon after African-American businessman Sterling North becomes the new director of the Morris Foundation, he discovers that this world-famous art collection includes several significant African sculptures tucked away in storage. His proposal to add them to the public galleries is opposed by the foundation's long-time education director, who is loyal to the idiosyncratic wishes of the late Dr. Morris. Spurred on by a zealous local journalist, this clash quickly escalates to public accusations of racism and a bitter struggle for control of the collection. Ultimately, the play asks how much space---literally and figuratively---the white world gives to African-Americans. What is the cost of failing to view the world through another's eyes? Pilot selection of the Continued Life of New Plays Fund. Barrymore Award, Outstanding New Play.

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Permanent Collection

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Eric Pfeffinger: Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons

“

A well-crafted and deftly wrought exploration of cultural identity, divertingly dramatized through characters who speak with erudition about Rousseau and African artifacts even as they don't realize how confined they are within their own silo of cultural experience. A clever and engaging conversation-starter.

A well-crafted and deftly wrought exploration of cultural identity, divertingly dramatized through characters who speak with erudition about Rousseau and African artifacts even as they don't realize how confined they are within their own silo of cultural experience. A clever and engaging conversation-starter.

”
National New Play Network: Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons

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PERMANENT COLLECTION by Thomas Gibbons received a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The partnering NNPN Member Theaters were InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA), Florida Stage (Manalapan), Kitchen Dog Theater (Dallas TX), Mixed Blood Theatre (Minneapolis, MN), and Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City, MO).

PERMANENT COLLECTION by Thomas Gibbons received a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. The partnering NNPN Member Theaters were InterAct Theatre Company (Philadelphia, PA), Florida Stage (Manalapan), Kitchen Dog Theater (Dallas TX), Mixed Blood Theatre (Minneapolis, MN), and Unicorn Theatre (Kansas City, MO).

”
Liam Castellan: Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons

“

One of the best plays about race I've ever experienced. Gibbons doesn't cheat to convince you of a particular point of view. Instead he lets each character speak with equal strength, forcing the audience to make up their own minds, as the drama keeps escalating.

One of the best plays about race I've ever experienced. Gibbons doesn't cheat to convince you of a particular point of view. Instead he lets each character speak with equal strength, forcing the audience to make up their own minds, as the drama keeps escalating.

”

Production History

Type University, Organization University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Year 2010
Type University, Organization Central Michigan University, Year 2009
Type University, Organization Virginia Union University, Year 2008
Type Professional, Organization InterAct Theatre Company, Year 2003
Type University, Organization Northwest School of the Arts, Year 2007
Type Professional, Organization Florida Stage, Year 2004
Type University, Organization Indiana University Northwest, Year 2006
Type Professional, Organization Kitchen Dog Theatre, Year 2004
Type University, Organization Lamar University, Year 2019
Type Professional, Organization Mixed Blood Theatre, Year 2004
Type Community Theater, Organization Starkville Community Theatre, Year 2019
Type Professional, Organization New Repertory Theatre, Year 2004
Type Professional, Organization Piedmont Center for the Arts, Year 2016
Type Professional, Organization Unicorn Theatre, Year 2005
Type Community Theater, Organization Players Club of Swarthmore, Year 2013
Type Professional, Organization Northlight Theatre, Year 2005
Type Community Theater, AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts, Year 2022
Type Professional, Organization Arizona Theatre Company, Year 2005
Type Community Theater, Organization Emerson Theatre Collaborative, Year 2022
Type Professional, Organization CenterStage, Year 2005
Type Professional, Main Street Theater, Year 2023
Type Professional, Organization Robey Theatre Company, Year 2005
Type Community Theater, Organization Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center, Year 2024
Type Professional, Organization Deep Dish Theater Company, Year 2005
Type Professional, Organization Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati, Year 2005
Type Professional, Organization Center Theatre Group, Year 2006
Type Professional, Horizon Theatre Company, Year 2006
Type Professional, Aurora Theatre Company, Year 2006
Type Professional, Organization Karamu Theatre, Year 2007
Type Professional, Florida Studio Theatre, Year 2007
Type Professional, Organization The Studio @ 620, Year 2007
Type Professional, Organization HotCity Theatre, Year 2007
Type Professional, Organization Mo'olelo Performing Arts Company, Year 2008
Type Professional, Organization Madison Repertory Theatre, Year 2008
Type Professional, Organization BoarsHead Theater, Year 2008
Type Professional, Organization Round House Theatre, Year 2010
Type Professional, Organization Human Race Theatre Company, Year 2011
Type Professional, Organization InterAct Theatre Company, Year 2013
Type Professional, Organization iTheatre Collaborative, Year 2017
Type University, Organization Concordia University, Year 2016
Type University, Organization Madison Area Technical College, Year 2014
Type University, Organization University of North Texas, Year 2014

Awards

Theatre Award for Best Playwright

Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP

2006
Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play

Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia

2004