Permanent Collection

Bay Area Premiere
by Thomas Gibbons
directed by Robin Stanton
EXTENDED to August 5, 2006!

show length: 2 hours, 10 minutes

For many years, the art museum of an eccentric millionaire has flourished presenting artworks by Cézanne, Renoir and Matisse. But when the museum’s board appoints a successful African-American businessman as director, he discovers a wealth of African art in the museum’s storage and a battle of ideologies is set in motion—exposing issues that are far from black and white.

Inspired by the true controversies surrounding Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation, this entertaining and explosive new play explores opposing views of art, race and culture. Written by the critically-acclaimed playwright Thomas Gibbons, Permanent Collection was described by the Chicago Sun-Times as “provocative and hugely engaging.”

"Compellingly staged and vividly performed by a strong cast ... a searingly intense drama about art, race, perspectives and journalism" - San Francisco Chronicle (read the full review)

"The audience leaves wanting — needing — to talk about what just happened. That's what you call art at work." - Oakland Tribune (read the full review)