Dear Friend of Perishable Theatre,
Your support over the years has enabled many magical, powerful and even life-changing experiences to take place in Providence’s Perishable Theatre.
Because of your special relationship with Perishable, we wanted to let you know about the most recent developments surrounding the Theatre. Essentially, economic pressures over a sustained period are compelling significant changes. Perishable Theatre can no longer produce work sustainably – an issue the current leadership has been struggling with, in attempts to not desert the local theater community or deprive it of the opportunities presented by both the black box space and the performance of new works.
The solution which has emerged very recently is to close down Perishable operations and pass the mantle of our mission to the “95 Collective,” a new initiative by AS220. Perishable’s landlord since 1993, AS220, is a long-standing local not-for-profit cultural organization with an overreaching dedication to innovative, unjuried work. The AS220 philosophy is an ideal match for the mission Perishable has shepherded over the last 28 years – and this change will achieve financial efficiencies in administration which Perishable is unable to reach alone.
And so, with both a nostalgically heavy heart and an optimistic view to the future, we’re letting you know about the dissolution of Perishable Theatre and the emergence of the 95 Collective.
It has been of crucial importance to all involved that we end Perishable’s run on a positive, responsible note. We are working diligently to resolve existing financial, personnel and artistic commitments, and hope to exit the stage with grace. As part of this commitment, we have arranged to have no interruption in the Perishable Theatre Arts School, or in the popular late-night programming Perishable has cultivated – including Improv Jones, Blood From a Turnip, Live Bait, and Bring Your Own Improv. The black box theater will also be maintained to prevent any interruption in rental activity by other companies. The most significant changes are largely behind the scenes, and this consolidation should enable some great work and improvements in the future.
If you would like to make a final contribution to help Perishable resolve its business in a mature and responsible manner, your help in our final stretch would be greatly appreciated. After 28 years, we are proud to be leaving the local theater community stronger and more vibrant. A final donation will help us be true to that philosophy.
We also hope you will join those of us who have been involved with the Theatre over the years in supporting the next evolution of independent theater in Providence. The cause for unjuried and experimental theater will always rely on the generosity and spirited support of patrons and audiences like you – that will not change.
As one generation of theater makes its way from the stage, players new and old fill the wings. The need for innovative theater that moves hearts, incites minds and stretches, breaks or shreds boundaries, is as pronounced as ever. And the culture of Rhode Island remains uniquely qualified to fill this need. As the name of Perishable is retired after a long vibrant run, the work must go on.
We expect the transition to take place at the beginning of 2012, and administrative transitions to wrap up early in the year. Support in any amount is welcome, and can be given through the website at www.perishable.org or by mail to Perishable Theatre/95 Collective, PO Box 23132., Providence RI 02903.
