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During his fifteen-year tenure at Perishable Theatre, Lerman has established a professional venue for the incubation of new works with both local and national reputations. Creating a body of work spanning 15 years, he has produced more than 140 theatrical productions on the Perishable Stage, many of which he has directed. Lerman’s departure is due to the news that his wife, Kathleen Jenkins, has accepted a professorship at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. “This is a wonderful opportunity for Kay.” Lerman said. “After 15 years of her support for me in my role as Artistic Director, I am thrilled to now support her at this important juncture in her career.” Mark Lerman’s career at Perishable began shortly after his graduation from the Trinity Conservatory in 1989. In 1990, Lerman succeeded his mentor, David Eliet, former director of the Trinity Repertory Conservatory and the founding artistic director of Perishable Theatre. Jill Jaffe, Chair of the Board of Trustees, says of his leadership, “Mark has been a stellar artistic visionary for Perishable during his 15-year tenure. He has consistently created and presented theatre that draws on national and international talent. The theatre’s dedication to innovative design combined with cutting-edge new works has given Perishable a unique voice and a national reputation among artists. We will miss him on a daily basis, but there are plans for his return as a guest director in next year’s season.” According to Jaffe, Perishable’s Board of Trustees has formed a search committee to secure the right candidate for Lerman’s successor. “The Artistic Director’s position will be advertised nationally, and I am confident that we will receive many qualified resumes and will enjoy a seamless transition in leadership.” Reflecting on his future departure, Lerman said “I am going to deeply miss the community of friends, artists, and colleagues here. I have also watched the City of Providence grow over the past 17 years, and I am proud of Perishable Theatre’s role in the revitalization of the Downcity Arts District. And Perishable’s impact on this City has only just begun!” Referring to the unprecedented collaboration with AS220, Lerman praised Perishable’s joint capital campaign with the un-juried art space known as The Campaign for AS220 and Perishable Theatre. “This is a comprehensive, high energy initiative aimed at raising funds for capital improvements to ensure the long-term vibrancy of these two cutting edge arts organizations.” As Perishable gears up for change, Lerman, and the entire theatre staff are moving full steam ahead on the remainder of the 2004/2005 season; a season dedicated to the on-going development and presentation of innovative theatre. Opening on January 26, Perishable will present the world premiere of Better-n-Indins, a play by William S. Yellow Robe, Jr. and directed by Bob Jaffe, followed in late March by the presentation of the internationally acclaimed ensemble, Pig Iron Theatre. The end of the season will feature another world premiere, The Cataract, written by the coveted playwright Lisa D’Amour, in collaboration with New York-based company, Theatre of the Two-Headed Calf. Blood From A Turnip continues its bi-monthly puppetry salon on January 28th, The Theatre Arts School opens another session of classes on January 31st, and TextPlosion, Perishable’s play reading series returns on February 8th. Though Lerman may be leaving at the end of the season, he his looking forward to maintaining the artistic relationships he has spent years establishing. “I plan to maintain my connections to many of the artists I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years and focus on my work as a freelance theater director.” There is an ambitious and bright future on the horizon, with great plans for Perishable in it.
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