Based on an actual incident that took place in Jersey City in 1916, Martin Casella's Black Tom Island explores an act of sabotage on American soil through the lens of a fictionalized Slovak immigrant and his wife who may or may not be involved in the attack. 

A free virtual panel discussion about the historical event featuring historians and the play’s creative team took place on Sunday, February 7 at 3:00pm EST on Zoom; excerpts from the panel are available in the second episode of the podcast.

Listen to the podcast: https://anchor.fm/art-house-productions

Listen to the Radio Play on YouTube (with closed captions):  https://youtu.be/2NvJ4okUZXc

Listen to the Historical Panel on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9Aqfmufkkg4

Martin Casella’s play has been adapted as a radio play and distributed as a podcast directed by Darren Lee. Sound design by Megumi Katayama. Featuring actors Michael Stewart Allen, Damian Buzzerio, Mason Hensley, and Jenna Krasowski. Narration by Executive Director Meredith Burns. 

Poster art by Emmanuel Vozos / American Octopus.

Today, the Black Tom site is part of New Jersey’s Liberty State Park. A historical marker is located in the southeast corner of the park. The play also takes place in Our Lady of Czestochowa Catholic Church in Jersey City, which features stained glass windows commemorating the incident today. 

This program is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey State Historical Commission, a division of the Department of State, and administered by the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive & the Hudson County Board of County Commissioners.