The Ever Present

The world premiere of The Ever Present is presented by
Theatre Exile
Directed by Brett Ashley Robinson
Featuring Kimie Muroya, Nathan Alford-Tate, Pax Ressler, Eleni Delopoulos, and Cathy Simpson

The Ever Present, a fantastical, family-friendly new play written by award-winning playwright and author R. Eric Thomas, centers on a South Philly vacant lot that turns out to be more than meets the eye. Enter Pashmina Paredes (Kimie Muroya), a neighborhood resident collecting signatures for a petition to prevent the city from selling the lot to a devious developer, Vernal Belch (Pax Ressler). She quickly learns her neighbors all have a special connection to the house that once stood there. Follow a cast of hilarious, Philadelphia-inspired characters for a mystery adventure that spans decades and spins a constellation of awe-inspiring stories. The Ever Present asks the question: “How can we share and preserve our collective history as the world continues to change?”

The Ever Present was first introduced to audiences through a virtual reading in May 2021 for Studio X-hibition, Exile’s new play development program. Since 2010, Studio X-hibition has allowed local playwrights to present live readings of scripts while they are in progress for an audience of peers and avid theater fans. These readings provide an opportunity for playwrights to see their work performed for a live audience and receive constructive critiques from their community. 

For each show, guests are invited to bring blankets and lawn seating. The Ever Present was made possible thanks to funding from The William Penn Foundation’s New Audiences New Places Grant, and National New Play Network’s Bridge Program Grant.

Plan your visit: Directions to see The Ever Present in South Philly

Show Dates, Times, & Locations*:

Saturday, September 11, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Columbus Square (1200 Wharton St)

Sunday, September 12, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Dickinson Square (1600 E. Moyamensing Ave)

Wednesday, September 15, 5:30 p.m. at Wharton Square (2300 Wharton St)

Friday, September 17, 5:30 p.m. at Stephen Girard Park (2101 Shunk St)

Saturday, September 18, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Columbus Square (1200 Wharton St)

Sunday, September 19, 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. – Hawthorne Park (750 S 12^th St)

*All shows are free to the public.