Virginia Repertory Theatre
(804) 282-2620
This play contains adult themes and language authentic to the story and characters.
Richmond Family Magazine review
Dominique Morisseau, described by The New York Times as “a playwright of piercing eloquence,” brings a timely and urgent examination of race and education to the stage in this riveting play about love and parenting. Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher, sends her son, Omari, to a private boarding school to give him opportunities her students do not have. When an incident at school might get him expelled, Nya must face his rage, her parenting choices, and her struggle to give him a future out of the school to prison pipeline. Morriseau’s Pipeline is so compelling that it was one of the most-produced plays in the country in 2019.
"Pipeline is at once an homage to such authors as Lorraine Hansberry, Langston Hughes and Amiri Baraka and yet firmly the product of a unique, deeply resonant sensibility." - Deadline
Download the Richmond Teen Community Resources list shown in the Pipeline playbill, a list of local organizations which use arts, education, and mentoring to empower children and teens to succeed in life.
With great respect and affection, this production of Pipeline is dedicated to the memories of Martha Norris Gilbert and Tony Cosby.
In the 1980s, Martha was recruited by Governor Chuck Robb to serve as the first Director of the Virginia Dept. for Children. In that capacity, she worked with Theatre IV, a precursor of Virginia Rep, on our productions of Hugs and Kisses (child sexual abuse prevention / early intervention), Runners (runaway and delinquency prevention), Walking the Line (alcohol and other drug use prevention), and Dancing in the Dark (adolescent pregnancy prevention and sexual responsibility). In 1990 she joined the Theatre IV Board of Directors. In 1997, she was elected Board Chair, becoming the first African American to be elected to the top leadership position of a major Virginia nonprofit arts organization.
Tony joined Theatre IV in 1980, playing Walter Lee Younger in A Raisin in the Sun, the second show in our inaugural season for adult audiences. We created our touring production of I Have a Dream in response to Tony’s passion for education and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tony toured as Dr. King with us for years, and performed in many other productions.
Both Martha and Tony moved mountains and made history. Their hard work and commitment are a part of our DNA today. We treasure them both, and miss them, and will remember them forever.
Meet the Cast and Creative Team:
Student's Study Guide: