Art House Productions is at it again, pushing the boundaries of what theater can be. This time, they’ve taken on Shakespeare’s *Hamlet* with a wild, genre-blending twist.
Directed by C. Rashee Stevenson and running through October 26 in Jersey City’s Powerhouse Arts District, the show ditches convention for experimentation. Expect modern visuals, bold casting, and even lines borrowed from Jean Genet and Federico García Lorca.
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This isn’t your typical Hamlet. It’s a gutsy reimagining that nudges audiences to leave their comfort zones and see Shakespeare from a fresh angle.
A Bold Departure from Tradition
One of Stevenson’s most daring moves is handing the iconic “To be, or not to be” soliloquy to a different character. Swapping things up like this shakes up expectations and makes you rethink what gives the story its emotional punch.
The set and costumes are just as surprising. The stage looks like a minimalist, modular IKEA display, while the costumes channel a quirky comedy club vibe with intentionally ridiculous outfits. Right from the start, you know you’re not in for classic Elizabethan fare.
Performances that Command Attention
Colin Pieters commands the stage as Hamlet, showing both vulnerability and authority. He really shines in a new monologue about workers’ rights, which roots the tragedy in today’s issues.
Jessie Kenner Tidball’s Ophelia and Ashley Escoffery’s Gertrude play things cool and detached. Max Katz’s Claudius sometimes gets lost in the mix, partly because the production skips amplification and goes with raw sound.
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Elena Lozonschi covers both Horatio and Laertes, which keeps things interesting, though it might confuse a few folks. Hannah Jane Ginsberg, playing “The Actor,” totally steals the spotlight. She turns the play-within-a-play into a mesmerizing solo act, then pops up again as a darkly funny Gravedigger.
Chaos Meets Comedy
The second half takes a sharp left turn into Marx Brothers–style chaos. Swords get swapped for a hammer, and suddenly there are machine guns on stage.
It’s a jarring shift that might split the crowd, but Stevenson doesn’t hold back from breaking the rules for the sake of shaking things up.
A Jersey City Arts Showcase
Art House Productions has earned a name for itself by championing experimental theater. This show cements its place in the local arts scene.
The venue sits in the Powerhouse Arts District—one of Jersey City’s liveliest spots. The black-box setup keeps you close to the action, which is always a plus.
Planning Your Visit
Thinking about catching *Hamlet* before October 26? It’s a good excuse to explore the neighborhood too.
Out-of-towners will find plenty of solid Jersey City hotels near the arts district. Cafes, galleries, and bars nearby make it easy to turn your theater trip into a full day out.
From Shakespeare to Skyline Views
When choosing where to stay in Jersey City, why not mix in some sightseeing? The city’s got waterfront parks with killer Manhattan views, plus a ton of things to do in Jersey City—from food spots to historic sites.
Getting here isn’t a hassle. The PATH train, ferries, and highways all connect Jersey City with New York and beyond. With all this going for it, it’s hard to argue Jersey City isn’t a great pick for theater lovers.
Final Thoughts
Stevenson’s Hamlet isn’t for purists. It’s for anyone who loves a little adventure in their theater.
The direction goes all-in on audacity. Performances push boundaries, and the whole thing leans into a kind of playful chaos that’s tough to forget.
Looking for something unconventional? This staging reminds us that Shakespeare can still shock and provoke, even after four centuries.
If you go, maybe pair your visit with some wandering around the neighborhood. Jersey City’s got surprises, and honestly, it’s become one of the Northeast’s most exciting cultural spots—maybe even a little underrated.
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