Permanent Collection

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?

Awarded Best Lighting at 2006 LA Weekly Theatre Awards

Playwright – Thomas Gibbons
Director  –  Dwain Perry

Cast

Ben Guillory – Sterling North
Doug Cox – Paul Barrow
Kent Minault – Alfred Morris
Kiersten Morgan – Gillian Krane
Elayn J. Taylor – Ella Franklin
LaFern Watkins – Kanika Weaver

Design

Set Design –  James Eric and Victoria Bellocq
Lighting Design – Ian Garrett
Costume Design – Naila Aladdin-Sanders
Sound Design/Composer – Joshua Horvath