Can Art ever be free from Politics? Can Politics in America ever be free from Race? And can any of them transcend the powerful, alluring taint of Money? For years the Morris Foundation—the art collection of an eccentric millionaire—has flourished in quiet, suburban obscurity. The renowned collection, which includes works by Cézanne, Renoir, and Matisse, has hung unchanged on the walls for 50 years. But when Morris’ will leaves control to an African-American University, Sterling North, a successful businessman of color, is named the new Executive Director. As he discovers the stored African art treasures of the collection, North demands changes in the exhibits, forcing a clash between social justice and artistic vision.

Adam Zahler helms this elegant, incisive play about the complex boundary of race, art, and politics by Thomas Gibbons, critically-acclaimed playwright of bee-luther-hatchee. Inspired by the events at the Barnes Foundation.

Sponsored by:

by Thomas Gibbons
NEW ENGLAND PREMIERE

November 10 - December 12, 2004

Directed by Adam Zahler**

Anita Fuchs, scenic design
Nancy Leary, costume design
Christopher Ostrom, lighting design
Cheryl D. Olszowka*, production stage manager

CAST (in order of appearance)
Sterling North, Clark Jackson*
Ella Franklin, Sylvia Anne Soares*
Paul Barrow, Benjamin Evett*
Alfred Morris, Paul D. Farwell*
Kanika Weaver, Giselle Jones*
Gillian Crane, Tracy Oliverio*

Place:
The suburb of a large, Northeastern city

Time:
The present

*member of Actors’ Equity Association
**Member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers

Originally produced by InterAct Theatre Company in association with the National New Play Network

Read More about Permanent Collection:
A Conversation with Thomas Gibbons