Permanent Collection

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons

(2)
Productions (59)
Drama
|
115 - 125 minutes
3 W, 3 M, 
Content Notes: Adult language
Set: Unit set of a public art gallery. Other locales (an office, an apartment, a house, a coffee shop) suggested minimally.

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. Permanent Collection is a searing examination of racial politics that ultimately 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? Read More

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.

Play Details

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. Permanent Collection is a searing examination of racial politics that ultimately 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?

(This is the second part of a trilogy. See also Bee-luther-hatchee and A House With No Walls.)

  • Drama
  • |
  • 115 - 125 minutes
  • 3 W, 3 M, 
  • Content Notes: Adult language
  • Set: Unit set of a public art gallery. Other locales (an office, an apartment, a house, a coffee shop) suggested minimally.
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-056-3

Published Reviews

"Gibbons' intellectually charged drama is a beautifully balanced dialectic that treats a complicated and emotional issue without cheap conclusions... Sophisticated and deft, it is a provocative treatment of the unanswerable."

F. Kathleen Foley, Los Angeles Times

"Gibbons shapes his debate masterfully, laying words out like land mines."

Orla Swift, Raleigh News and Observer

"The phrase 'Put yourself in my place' rings like an anthem in Thomas Gibbons' eloquent and shrewdly observed drama about the subtleties of racism, labeling and perception."

Steven Leigh Morris, LA Weekly

Production History

APR 18, 2024 - MAY 05, 2024
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
Wiesbaden, Germany
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC) Wiesbaden, Germany
FEB 11, 2023 - MAR 05, 2023
Main Street Theater
Houston, TX United States
Main Street Theater Houston, TX United States
FEB 03, 2023 - FEB 19, 2023
Sherman Community Players
Sherman, TX United States
Sherman Community Players Sherman, TX United States
FEB 04, 2022 - FEB 06, 2022
Emerson Theater Collaborative
Sedona, AZ United States
Emerson Theater Collaborative Sedona, AZ United States
JAN 14, 2022 - JAN 15, 2022
AMDA
New York, NY United States
AMDA New York, NY United States
NOV 07, 2019 - NOV 10, 2019
Lamar University Department Of Theatre & Dance
Beaumont, TX United States
Lamar University Department Of Theatre & Dance Beaumont, TX United States
JUL 29, 2019 - JUL 29, 2019
Sierra Madre Playhouse
Sierra Madre, CA United States
Sierra Madre Playhouse Sierra Madre, CA United States
MAY 14, 2019 - MAY 18, 2019
Starkville Community Theatre
Starkville, MS United States
Starkville Community Theatre Starkville, MS United States
OCT 23, 2018 - OCT 24, 2018
Brookstone School
Columbus, GA United States
Brookstone School Columbus, GA United States
FEB 02, 2017 - MAR 04, 2017
ITHEATRE COLLABORATIVE
Phoenix, AZ United States
ITHEATRE COLLABORATIVE Phoenix, AZ United States
NOV 10, 2016 - NOV 10, 2016
Solid Lines Productions
Saint Louis, MO United States
Solid Lines Productions Saint Louis, MO United States
OCT 13, 2016 - OCT 16, 2016
The Piedmont Center For The Arts
Piedmont, CA United States
The Piedmont Center For The Arts Piedmont, CA United States
OCT 13, 2016 - OCT 16, 2016
The Piedmont Center For The ARTS
Piedmont, CA United States
The Piedmont Center For The ARTS Piedmont, CA United States
FEB 25, 2016 - FEB 28, 2016
Concordia University Texas
Austin, TX United States
Concordia University Texas Austin, TX United States
NOV 07, 2014 - NOV 16, 2014
Madison Area Technical College
Madison, WI United States
Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI United States
MAR 05, 2014 - MAR 08, 2014
University Of North Texas
Denton, TX United States
University Of North Texas Denton, TX United States
APR 05, 2013 - APR 28, 2013
InterAct Theatre Company
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Company Philadelphia, PA United States
JAN 04, 2013 - JAN 19, 2013
Players Club Of Swarthmore
Swarthmore, PA United States
Players Club Of Swarthmore Swarthmore, PA United States
MAY 11, 2011 - MAY 11, 2011
Sabine Pass School
Sabine Pass, TX United States
Sabine Pass School Sabine Pass, TX United States
APR 29, 2011 - JUN 04, 2011
Celebration Arts
Sacramento, CA United States
Celebration Arts Sacramento, CA United States
APR 16, 2011 - APR 16, 2011
Sabine Pass School
Sabine Pass, TX United States
Sabine Pass School Sabine Pass, TX United States
APR 14, 2011 - MAY 01, 2011
The Human Race Theatre Company
Dayton, OH United States
The Human Race Theatre Company Dayton, OH United States
APR 09, 2011 - APR 09, 2011
Sabine Pass School
Sabine Pass, TX United States
Sabine Pass School Sabine Pass, TX United States
MAR 21, 2011 - MAR 28, 2011
Sabine Pass School
Sabine Pass, TX United States
Sabine Pass School Sabine Pass, TX United States
FEB 10, 2011 - FEB 19, 2011
University Theatre
Richardson, TX United States
University Theatre Richardson, TX United States
MAY 27, 2010 - JUN 06, 2010
University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Tirana, Albania
University Of Nevada Las Vegas Tirana, Albania
JAN 27, 2010 - FEB 21, 2010
Round House Theatre
Bethesda, MD United States
Round House Theatre Bethesda, MD United States
OCT 14, 2009 - OCT 18, 2009
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI United States
Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI United States
NOV 07, 2008 - NOV 16, 2008
Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA United States
Virginia Union University Richmond, VA United States
SEP 04, 2008 - SEP 28, 2008
BoarsHead Theater
Lansing, MI United States
BoarsHead Theater Lansing, MI United States
MAR 05, 2008 - MAR 30, 2008
Madison Repertory Theatre
Madison, WI United States
Madison Repertory Theatre Madison, WI United States
FEB 21, 2008 - MAR 16, 2008
Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company
San Diego, CA United States
Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company San Diego, CA United States
DEC 07, 2007 - DEC 07, 2007
Manhattan Arts Center
Manhattan, KS United States
Manhattan Arts Center Manhattan, KS United States
NOV 15, 2007 - DEC 01, 2007
HotCity Theatre
Saint Louis, MO United States
HotCity Theatre Saint Louis, MO United States
SEP 28, 2007 - OCT 28, 2007
Jubilee Theatre
Fort Worth, TX United States
Jubilee Theatre Fort Worth, TX United States
AUG 03, 2007 - AUG 12, 2007
Dignity Players
Annapolis, MD United States
Dignity Players Annapolis, MD United States
MAR 29, 2007 - MAY 07, 2007
The Studio @ 620
St,. Petersburg, FL United States
The Studio @ 620 St,. Petersburg, FL United States
MAR 02, 2007 - MAR 03, 2007
Music/Theater
Seoul, Korea, Republic of
Music/Theater Seoul, Korea, Republic of
FEB 24, 2007 - FEB 24, 2007
Community Theatre
APO, AP Korea, Republic of
Community Theatre APO, AP Korea, Republic of
FEB 12, 2007 - FEB 12, 2007
Amphibian Productions
Fort Worth, TX United States
Amphibian Productions Fort Worth, TX United States
FEB 08, 2007 - FEB 08, 2007
Northwest School Of The Arts
Charlotte, NC United States
Northwest School Of The Arts Charlotte, NC United States
FEB 07, 2007 - APR 07, 2007
Florida Studio Theatre
Sarasota, FL United States
Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota, FL United States
JAN 19, 2007 - FEB 11, 2007
Karamu Performing Arts Theatre
Cleveland, OH United States
Karamu Performing Arts Theatre Cleveland, OH United States
NOV 03, 2006 - NOV 12, 2006
Indiana University Northwest/Theatre Northwest
Gary, IN United States
Indiana University Northwest/Theatre Northwest Gary, IN United States
MAR 31, 2006 - APR 30, 2006
Horizon Theatre Company
Atlanta, GA United States
Horizon Theatre Company Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 08, 2006 - FEB 12, 2006
Center Theatre Group
Culver City, CA United States
Center Theatre Group Culver City, CA United States
OCT 12, 2005 - OCT 30, 2005
Ensemble Theatre Of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH United States
Ensemble Theatre Of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH United States
AUG 25, 2005 - SEP 17, 2005
Deep Dish Theater Company
Chapel Hill, NC United States
Deep Dish Theater Company Chapel Hill, NC United States
JUN 27, 2005 - JUN 28, 2005
TJX Companies
Framingham, MA United States
TJX Companies Framingham, MA United States
APR 01, 2005 - APR 30, 2005
Robey Theatre Company
Los Angeles, CA United States
Robey Theatre Company Los Angeles, CA United States
MAR 01, 2005 - MAR 31, 2005
CENTERSTAGE
Baltimore, MD United States
CENTERSTAGE Baltimore, MD United States
FEB 01, 2005 - FEB 28, 2005
Arizona Theatre Company
Tucson & Phoenix, AZ United States
Arizona Theatre Company Tucson & Phoenix, AZ United States
JAN 01, 2005 - JAN 31, 2005
Unicorn Theatre
Kansas City, MO United States
Unicorn Theatre Kansas City, MO United States
JAN 01, 2005 - JAN 31, 2005
Northlight Theatre
Skokie, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Skokie, IL United States
DEC 01, 2004 - DEC 31, 2004
New Repertory Theatre
Newton Heights, MA United States
New Repertory Theatre Newton Heights, MA United States
NOV 01, 2004 - NOV 30, 2004
Mixed Blood Theatre
Minneapolis, MN United States
Mixed Blood Theatre Minneapolis, MN United States
JUN 01, 2004 - JUN 30, 2004
Kitchen Dog Theatre
Dallas, TX United States
Kitchen Dog Theatre Dallas, TX United States
MAR 01, 2004 - MAR 31, 2004
Florida Stage
Manalpan, FL United States
Florida Stage Manalpan, FL United States
OCT 01, 2003 - OCT 31, 2003
InterAct Theatre
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Philadelphia, PA United States
APR 18, 2024 - MAY 05, 2024
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC)
Wiesbaden, Germany
Wiesbaden Performing Arts Center (WPAC) Wiesbaden, Germany
FEB 11, 2023 - MAR 05, 2023
Main Street Theater
Houston, TX United States
Main Street Theater Houston, TX United States
APR 05, 2013 - APR 28, 2013
InterAct Theatre Company
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Company Philadelphia, PA United States
APR 14, 2011 - MAY 01, 2011
The Human Race Theatre Company
Dayton, OH United States
The Human Race Theatre Company Dayton, OH United States
JAN 27, 2010 - FEB 21, 2010
Round House Theatre
Bethesda, MD United States
Round House Theatre Bethesda, MD United States
SEP 04, 2008 - SEP 28, 2008
BoarsHead Theater
Lansing, MI United States
BoarsHead Theater Lansing, MI United States
MAR 05, 2008 - MAR 30, 2008
Madison Repertory Theatre
Madison, WI United States
Madison Repertory Theatre Madison, WI United States
FEB 21, 2008 - MAR 16, 2008
Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company
San Diego, CA United States
Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company San Diego, CA United States
NOV 15, 2007 - DEC 01, 2007
HotCity Theatre
Saint Louis, MO United States
HotCity Theatre Saint Louis, MO United States
MAR 29, 2007 - MAY 07, 2007
The Studio @ 620
St,. Petersburg, FL United States
The Studio @ 620 St,. Petersburg, FL United States
FEB 07, 2007 - APR 07, 2007
Florida Studio Theatre
Sarasota, FL United States
Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota, FL United States
JAN 19, 2007 - FEB 11, 2007
Karamu Performing Arts Theatre
Cleveland, OH United States
Karamu Performing Arts Theatre Cleveland, OH United States
MAR 31, 2006 - APR 30, 2006
Horizon Theatre Company
Atlanta, GA United States
Horizon Theatre Company Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 08, 2006 - FEB 12, 2006
Center Theatre Group
Culver City, CA United States
Center Theatre Group Culver City, CA United States
OCT 12, 2005 - OCT 30, 2005
Ensemble Theatre Of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH United States
Ensemble Theatre Of Cincinnati Cincinnati, OH United States
AUG 25, 2005 - SEP 17, 2005
Deep Dish Theater Company
Chapel Hill, NC United States
Deep Dish Theater Company Chapel Hill, NC United States
JUN 27, 2005 - JUN 28, 2005
TJX Companies
Framingham, MA United States
TJX Companies Framingham, MA United States
APR 01, 2005 - APR 30, 2005
Robey Theatre Company
Los Angeles, CA United States
Robey Theatre Company Los Angeles, CA United States
MAR 01, 2005 - MAR 31, 2005
CENTERSTAGE
Baltimore, MD United States
CENTERSTAGE Baltimore, MD United States
FEB 01, 2005 - FEB 28, 2005
Arizona Theatre Company
Tucson & Phoenix, AZ United States
Arizona Theatre Company Tucson & Phoenix, AZ United States
JAN 01, 2005 - JAN 31, 2005
Unicorn Theatre
Kansas City, MO United States
Unicorn Theatre Kansas City, MO United States
JAN 01, 2005 - JAN 31, 2005
Northlight Theatre
Skokie, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Skokie, IL United States
DEC 01, 2004 - DEC 31, 2004
New Repertory Theatre
Newton Heights, MA United States
New Repertory Theatre Newton Heights, MA United States
NOV 01, 2004 - NOV 30, 2004
Mixed Blood Theatre
Minneapolis, MN United States
Mixed Blood Theatre Minneapolis, MN United States
JUN 01, 2004 - JUN 30, 2004
Kitchen Dog Theatre
Dallas, TX United States
Kitchen Dog Theatre Dallas, TX United States
MAR 01, 2004 - MAR 31, 2004
Florida Stage
Manalpan, FL United States
Florida Stage Manalpan, FL United States
OCT 01, 2003 - OCT 31, 2003
InterAct Theatre
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Philadelphia, PA United States

Awards (1)

Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play (2004)