Independent Arts News Reporting Old City Hall Brings Theater, Poetry, and Trains to Downtown Bordentown
Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Pictured Above: Ozzie Jones. Photo Credit: Contributed.
NEWSROOM POST: BORDENTOWN, NEW JERSEY
On September 18, Passage Theater, Trenton’s only professional theater company, presents a discussion by actor and director Ozzie Jones and announces more offerings through December
Bordentown, NJ – Old City Hall in Bordentown City is presenting a fall schedule that accents local history, artistry, and innovative programming designed to attract a varied audience to Bordentown – and build attention to an important city landmark.
The season begins in September with two literary events:
On September 18, Passage Theater, Trenton’s only professional theater company, presents a discussion by actor and director Ozzie Jones focused on internationally known Newark, New Jersey, poet, playwright, and Black activist Amiri Baraka (aka LeRoi Jones).
The event coincides with Passage’s upcoming production of two 1964 plays “Dutchman” and “The Slave.”
“Dutchman” is described as an emotionally charged symbolic version of the Adam and Eve story set on a subway car. “The Slave” is an examination of racial tension in contemporary America.
Director Jones is a Philadelphia-based theater artist whose sources range from traditional Western theater to hip hop to work with Baraka. 7:30 p.m. Free.
On September 28, OCH presents the Annis Boudinot Stockton Poetry Festival, celebrating the life and work of Revolutionary War era poet, patriot, and wife of Declaration of Independence signer Richard Stockton.
The day’s events include a 10 a.m. to noon reading and tour at Annis Stockton’s last home at White Hill Mansion in Fieldsboro; a discussion, film, and reading at Old City Hall, 2 to 4 p.m., and the popular Poets and Pints event at Bordentown Square, 5 p.m.
Coordinated by poet Daniel Weeks (Eatontown), Bordentown writer and producer Dan Aubrey, and White Hill Mansion officer and coordinator Dawn Richard, the event features state and regionally known writers Robbie Clipper (Bordentown), Todd Evans (Trenton/Willingboro), Luray Gross (Doylestown), Ryan Lafferty (Bordentown), Coleen Marks (South Brunswick), Derrick Owings (Burlington), and others. Free.
The OCH fall offerings continue as follows:
October 5, Sunday Soiree featuring Bordentown-based independent rock music performer and songwriter Jamie Parker. 4 p.m. Free.
October 10, “Panther Hollow,” noted New Jersey playwright and Bordentown Township resident David Lee White’s humorous and insightful look at life in your 20s. 7 p.m. Free (donation requested).
Pictured Above: Old City Hall. Photo Credit: Contributed.
October 11 “The Devil and Daisy Dirt,” the acclaimed theater and blue grass production telling the tale of a young woman’s encounter with the Jersey Devil. 7 and 9 p.m. $25.
October 24, 25, and 26, PCM Theater, based in Hamilton, presents “You Don’t Know Jack”, an original comedy show. Times and tickets to be announced.
November 9 Sunday Soiree featuring acclaimed nationally known Trenton-based artist Mel Leipzig in discussion with Bordentown City artist Liz Aubrey regarding her curation of Leipzig’s graffiti and tattoo artist paintings for a Trenton Free Public Library exhibition. The event is coordinated in conjunction with the Trenton City Museum exhibition, “Mel Leipzig at 90.” 4 p.m. Free.
November 22 and 23, 28, 29, and 30, The annual Old City Hall Train Show, featuring model trains by area collectors. Time TBD. Free.
November 29, The Foundation for Bordentown Traditions “Visit with Santa Claus” at Old City Hall, in conjunction with the Christmas Tree Lighting at Farnsworth Avenue and Crosswicks Street in Bordentown City. Santa’s visit begins immediately following the Tree Lighting.
December 5 and 6, The Annual Bordentown City Artists Show, featuring Liz Aubrey, Al Barker, Debbie Pey, Maggie Rose, Ann Darlington, Marsha Dowshen, Andrea Schlaffer, Georgie Chalker, Zina Umyn, and Jennifer Szeto from Leaping Dog Art Studio. Noon to 5 p.m. Free admission.
December 14, Sunday Soiree featuring the music and thoughts of Bordentown-based jazz and classical musician and composer Justin Lee. 4 p.m. Free.
The series of events was developed through the Bordentown City’s Old City Hall Restoration Committee, a volunteer group dedicated to providing awareness and funds to restore the historic landmark building in downtown Bordentown City.
Old City Hall is located at 13 Crosswicks Street, Bordentown City. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/OldCityHallRestoration.
