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...

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

Recommended by

  • Eric Pfeffinger: Permanent Collection

    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

    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

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

Awards

  • Theatre Award for Best Playwright
    Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP
    2006
  • Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play
    Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
    2004