(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Art House Productions in collaboration with Half-Light Productions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Rajiv Joseph's compelling play, Gruesome Playground Injuries, directed by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens. In a time when empathy and understanding are more crucial than ever, this play seeks to foster connection and dialogue. Performances run weekends from October 18 to November 10, 2024.

Gruesome Playground Injuries is a fast-paced, intense, and darkly comic play that ells the story of Kayleen and Doug, two friends whose lives are intertwined through a series of injuries that bring them together. Spanning ages 8 to 38, the play follows their relationship as they navigate life's challenges, sometimes leaning on each other too much, occasionally causing harm, and often struggling to ask for help. Its non-chronological structure allows the audience to piece together their attraction while exploring themes of lost love, pain, regret, and how injuries can map a lifetime. Joseph highlights the complexity and messiness of life, reminding us that it becomes a bit easier with someone by our side.

"We are excited to bring Gruesome Playground Injuries to Jersey City," says Meredith Burns, Executive Artistic Director of Art House Productions. "This production resonates with our mission to present thought-provoking and impactful theater."

Performances begin on Friday, October 18, 2024, and run through Sunday, November 10, 2024, with showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. Ticket prices are set at $45 for general admission and $35 for students and seniors.  Tickets are available for purchase online. Art House Productions is located at 345 Marin Boulevard (between Morgan and Bay Streets) in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Art House Productions will engage the community by hosting post-show Q&A sessions with the creative team, and mental health specialists.

Playwright Rajiv Joseph’s play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo was a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama and was also awarded a grant for Outstanding New American Play by the National Endowment for the Arts. He has twice won the Obie Award for Best New American Play, first in 2016 with Guards at the Taj (also a 2016 Lortel Winner for Best Play) and then in 2018 with Describe the Night. Other plays include King James, Letters of Suresh, Archduke, Animals Out of Paper, The Lake Effect, The North Pool, and Mr. Wolf. Joseph has been awarded artistic grants from the Whiting Foundation, United States Artists and the Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust.  He served for three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal.

Catriona Rubenis-Stevens (Director), is a multi-award-winning director and producer, known for her work in film and theater. She founded Half-Light Productions and has received over $50,000 in artist grants. Her recent projects include the acclaimed feature film Regarding Us and the annual Zombie Opera staged in Hamilton Square Park in Jersey City, NJ.

Ashley Renée Scott (Producer, Actor), is an actor, producer, writer, and director with over two decades of experience in independent film. Her work has received international recognition, including Best Actress awards for Murder In the Dark (2010) and Inner Kitty (2017), as well as Best Picture for Go Fish (2017), which she wrote and directed. She has played notable roles in the theater such as Viola in Twelfth Night (co-starring Mark Pellegrino) and Martha in Strange Snow. 

Art House Theater Accessibility Features Include: Wheelchair-accessible seating; ASL interpretation upon request with 2 weeks' notice; Audio description for blind and low-vision patrons upon request with 2 weeks' notice; Service animals are welcome; and Restrooms are fully accessible. For specific accommodations, please contact us at 201-579-0532 or Meredith Burns at Meredith@arthouseproductions.org. If you have any questions or require additional assistance, we are happy to help ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.

Art House Productions is a nonprofit organization committed to developing and presenting the performing and visual arts in Jersey City, NJ. Art House Productions offers theater, festivals, visual art exhibitions, and art classes for all ages.

Art House Productions is supported by The New Jersey State Council on the Arts, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, The Princeton Area Community Foundation, SILVERMAN, The Albanese Group, Liberty Harbor, Starwood Capital Group, KRE, The New Jersey Theatre Alliance, and The Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs. A full list of funders can be found on their website.