New Rep's 20th Anniversary Season continues with the New England Premiere of "Permanent Collection."  Thomas Gibbons's acclaimed new work, loosely based on events at the Barnes Foundation, dramatizes the explosive collision of art and racial politics in a suburban art gallery.  "Permanent Collection," starring Benjamin Evett and directed by Adam Zahler, begins performances at the Newton Highlands theatre on November 10.
   
The Barnes Foundation, located outside of Philadelphia, represents one of the largest and most important private art collections in the world. Upon the death of its founder, control of the Foundation passed to Lincoln University, an historically African American institution.  Throughout the 1990s, the Barnes became entangled in numerous high-profile lawsuits, one of which generated rumors of racism. 

From this rich source material, playwright Thomas Gibbons fashioned a gripping contemporary piece that explores the insidious heritage of cultural bias, as well as the inability to talk frankly about matters of race. 

"Permanent Collection" looks at Sterling North (Clark Jackson), an ambitious black businessman whose lifelong success in the corporate world leads to his appointment as president of the Morris Foundation.  Upon his arrival, Sterling discovers priceless works of African art in storage, and in defiance of the founder's wishes, he demands to change the exhibit.

Sterling's agenda brings him into immediate conflict with Paul Barrow (Benjamin Evett), a white man and the Foundation's long-time education director.  Paul argues that the founder's ideals cannot be disregarded, but Sterling insists that Paul's viewpoint is racially motivated.  When the local press gets word of the controversy, the conflict escalates to epic proportions.

While "Permanent Collection" takes its inspiration from events at the Barnes, Gibbons explains that the play does not, by any means, serve as a documentary of the Foundation's troubled history. 

In an interview with InterAct Theatre Company, where "Permanent Collection" had its world premiere, Thomas Gibbons stated: "I invented a conflict that would allow me to address issues of race, identity, and representation. The question that interested me most was: Who decides what hangs on a museum wall, and on what basis do they make their decision?"

Rick Lombardo, New Rep's Producing Artistic Director, says the play feels perfect for New Rep.  "'Permanent Collection' was brought to my attention by two separate subscribers," he explains.  "Each of them took the time to write me a letter, encouraging me to consider the piece.  When I read it, I knew instantly it was a play we had to do."

Benjamin Evett, who leads the cast as Paul Barrow, comes to New Rep directly after finishing work on the inaugural production of the Actors' Shakespeare Project; Evett serves as the Founding Artistic Director for the new company.
   
Clark Jackson, playing Sterling North, is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama and has worked in theatre, film, and television, earning a Drama Desk Award for his
performance in "Cobb."

Giselle Jones, playing Kanika Weaver, returns to New Rep, where she last appeared as Joyce in "No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs."  Giselle's recent work includes a starring role in "Brothers of the Borderland," a film narrated by Oprah Winfrey and premiered at the grand opening of the Freedom Center in Cincinnati.
   
Tracy Oliverio, playing Gillian Crane, is a graduate of Brandeis University's M.F.A program, has appeared locally at Lyric West Theatre and the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and appeared in the films "What's the Worst That Could Happen?" and "The Out-Of-Towners."
   
Playing Ella Franklin, Sylvia Anne Soares has toured nationally with the Negro Ensemble Company.

For information, call 617-332-1646 or visit www.newrep.org. 

-- OnStage Boston

11/01/04