The New School will welcome back Presidential Visiting Scholar (PVS), Lisa B. Thompson, for a reading of her new stage comedy, “Dinner,” next Wednesday. The award-winning playwright, author, and professor will host her last week of events before a new PVS for next academic year is selected.
Thompson was named The New School 2022-2023 PVS alongside performing artist Bill Jones last May. The PVS program, created in 2021, strives to “enhance intellectual discourse by bringing to campus some of the most inspiring, provocative, and groundbreaking thinkers in the world,” according to an announcement on the school’s website.
Since then, TNS has hosted two accomplished scholars for each academic year. Previously, the PSV title was awarded to philosophers Dr. Judith Butler and Dr. Cornel West. During their time as faculty under The New School for Social Research, Butler taught a graduate seminar, and West led three lectures as well as an open discussion for MA and PhD philosophy students.
During her own tenure, Thompson engaged in a public conversation with music historian, pianist, and composer Guthrie Ramsey last September. In October, she hosted a reading of her play “Underground.” Her work explores stereotypes of Black life in the U.S., especially in relation to culture and class. She currently works as a Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies, as well as Advisor to the Dean for Faculty Mentoring and Support, at the University of Texas at Austin.
Before her departure from TNS, Thompson, who has written multiple books and several off-Broadway plays, will perform a reading of her new stage comedy, “Dinner,” followed by a talkback. A synopsis of the play from its press release reads:
“‘Dinner’ spotlights the first meeting between the parents of engaged couple Joanna and Jonathan. As Joanna struggles preparing an elaborate meal to impress her future in-laws, she finds herself at the center of a battle between the Black middle class and the Nigerian upper class. “Guess who’s coming to dinner” and discover what’s on the cultural and political menu when the African diaspora gathers to dine.”
Based on Thompson’s social media, the response to her upcoming appearance at The New School has been positive. Tasha Grant (@afrolista), Founder & Art Director of the Maroon Theatre Project, left a comment on Thompson’s Instagram announcement this past week: “Super excited for this! I have been wanting to catch you while you’re at The New School.”
The New School is excited for Thompson’s return, referring to her as “an innovative and creative force in American theater” in an official PR statement given to the New School Free Press. Her performance “will give our students and faculty a space to examine the subtleties and complexities of Black culture and life in the U.S.”
Thompson’s reading will take place on Wednesday, April 12th, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Tishman Auditorium, located at 66 West 12th St. Register for free here.