Christine Goodman, founder of Art House Productions, has made quite a name for herself in the eight years she has called Jersey City home.
Goodman isn’t just a terrific advocate of the arts scene in the bustling downtown area; she is a consummate performer and writer as well. What began as an idea to unite artists in a comfortable forum has grown into the widely anticipated monthly open mic night that features top-notch writers, musicians and performance artists. So it should come as no surprise to those who know her work to learn that she has focused her considerable talents to directing.
The multi-media, production of ‘Heavy Craft, Soft Landing’ isn’t the first play Goodman directed, she also directed the short “Come To Me” in this past fall’s Hudson County One Act Festival, but it is her first full-length play. This is fourth full-length multi-media production for Art House Productions. The original work, “Heavy Craft, Soft Landing,” runs May 1 to May 3, May 7 to May 9 with all performances at 8 p.m.
Inner connectivity
The story, which unfolds in 10 chapters, covers the life cycle of the human condition from birth to death – and those gritty defining moments in-between.
It is a beautifully rendered tale of love lost and found that begins, of course, with a birth.
While more conceptual than narrative frame, one can easily follow the journey of the young woman. After she is born, the audience is drawn into her world, which is delicately shaped and fostered with love from her mother.
The female who has no name- as she stands for the universal connectivity we all share – grows up, but not without her share of knocks and hard lessons of adolescence.
There are three elements of the production that bring the story together. First, is the movement of the actors, which reflects the body with its needs, desires, pains and simple pleasures.
Then there is the video, which provides a landscape into the mind of the main character. Through the video, one bears witness to what seems like an ordinary day, except through the mind of the main character, who frames her existence through her experiences. It is through the framework of a seemingly ordinary day that one can see the brilliance of the writing as the sometimes traumatic, sometimes joyful elements unfold around the main character. These moments, like much of life, happen to her unexpectedly and turn an ordinary day into one might not wish for.
Pulling it all together is the original score, which was written and is performed by the musicians who surround the stage. The music provides a frame into the soul of the main character. Through the music one can feel her emotions as they happen.
Ensemble production
Goodman said the entire production team of 30 has worked hard to integrate all three elements of the play in the two-month rehearsal period.
The work isn’t easily classified – the original play has elements that are deeply serious and moments that are truly absurd.
It is a visually stunning piece, with much of the action revealed through quiet moments on the screen. Although none of the characters are identified by name- it is still easy to identify with the journey. The two supporting females characters, who provide context for the story with voice-over work, are terrific and able to connect the audience with the inner workings of the lead character. Yet all of the actors and musicians deserve credit for the synchronized work that is truly flawless in parts and combines to weave yet another layer to the original work
Performances in Jersey City
The original play was written by Goodman, Jack Halpin, Wade Savitt, Heather Warfel, will be performed the first two weekends in May at Art House Productions space at Hamilton Park, 1 McWilliams Place, 6th Floor, Jersey City.
“No matter how many different paths our lives go on – we all experience love, we all experience pain, we all feel lost.” – Christine Goodman
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Production design is by Jack Halpin, stage manager is Katherine Damigos, Musical director is David Ribyat, production assistant is Judy Nunez, production crew is Victor Armooh.
Goodman hopes audiences appreciate the stories that are revealed through the work.
“No matter how many different paths our lives go on – we all experience love, we all experience pain, we all feel lost,” said Goodman. “We all face the journey of who we are in the world and what is important. We are all beautiful and we are all flawed.”
“Heavy Craft, Soft Landing” will be performed the first two weekends in May with all performances at 8 p.m. For more information, call (201) 915-9911 or visit: www.arthouseproductions.org.