Director Gilyard said message of the play goes beyond geographical borders. It is a show with political but even artistic themes
By ervin lisaku
TIRANA, May 25 – US director and actor Clarence Gilyard is working in Tirana to stage the premiere of the “Permanent collection,” play written by Thomas Gibbons. The play co-directed by Albania’s Mirush Kabashi will be staged at the National Theatre in Tirana during the first week of June.
Both directors will also star in the play along with Fatos Sela, Tinka Kurti, Ema Andrea and Klodiana Keco. The troupe of actors has already started rehearsing the play which is supported by the United States embassy in Tirana. The play has been translated by Pirro Dollani with scenic design by Bashkim Zahaj and costume design by Edlira Qyshka.
Director Gilyard, a professor of theatre arts at the University of Nevada and Las Vegas, said in a press conference that his teaching experience is related to the protestant theatre.
He said that during the first premiere of “Permanent Collection” in the United States he understood that the message of the play goes beyond geographical borders. It is a show with political but even artistic themes, said Gilyard.
“This show will take you away from Tirana streets for two hours and bring you to the National Theatre,” said Gilyard, adding that he felt great responsibility as the first African-American actor cooperating with Albanian actors.
The play underlines the important role of art in solving racial and class distinctions in every field of life but above all is brings which brings pleasure and entertainment in theatre, added the US director.
Meanwhile, Albanian co-director Mirush Kabashi said “This play suits the current situation in Albania. It is a beautiful play, very intellectual and with shocking messages especially for the current situation in Albanian politics. It seems that the absurdities of Albanian politics are treated in this play.”
Questions about art, race, ethics and language spark passionate arguments in the provocative new play Permanent Collection.
The setting is the fictional “Morris Foundation,” home to a priceless collection of Impressionist art. Following the death of its founder, the foundation appoints Sterling, a businessman with no background in the art world, as its new chief administrator.
