Permanent Collection

By Thomas Gibbons

Directed by Richard Corley

Madison Repertory Theatre presents Permanent Collection, a thrilling new play by Philadelphia playwright Thomas Gibbons, directed by Artistic Director Richard Corley. Permanent Collection tells the story of an African American businessman, Sterling North, who is appointed the new director of The Morris Foundation, an extraordinary private gallery in a predominantly white suburb. There, he discovers that the gallery, which features a priceless collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art including works by Picasso, Renoir, Cézanne, and Matisse-has also tucked away in storage a distinctive collection of African art. His proposal to add a few selected pieces to the gallery’s permanent collection is met with stern opposition by Paul Barrow, the institution’s long-time education director. This conflict sets in motion a culture clash, which opens the wounds of a social and racial divide.  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 cultural “powers that be” will give to other view points. What is the cost of failing to view the world through another's eyes?

Produced by Madison Repertory Theatre at The Playhouse in the Overture Center, Madison

Performances: March 7-30, 2008

Public Performance Show Times & Prices are:
$40 Wed-Thu at 7:30pm & Sun at 2pm
$48 Fri at 7:30pm & Saturday at 4pm and 8pm

Students who present a valid Student ID may purchase rush tickets for $20 on the day of show or order an advanced group sale, and receive 50% off the full priced ticket (regular performances only). A limited number of $16 tickets will be available for every performance. There are two special Preview Performances. (Tickets are only $21 on Wednesday, March 5th and $26 on Thursday, March 6th.)  Single tickets may be purchased, in-person, at the Overture Center Box Office, 201 State Street, Madison; by calling (608) 258-4141; or online at www.overturecenter.com. Single ticket prices are $40 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday performances, $48 for Friday and Saturday performances.
Patrons can meet the cast and crew of Permanent Collection at post-show Audience Discussions on Wednesday March 19th and Thursday March 27th.

Permanent Collection will have one student series performance on March 12th at 10:30am. Reservations for High Schools are still available by contacting the Madison Repertory Theatre at 608-256-0029 x23. 

Call 608-258-4141 for reservations or more information.