Paterson Performing Arts Development Council

10/20/2025

Continue to visit nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/ for ongoing updates on how the federal shutdown may impact your SNAP and WFNJ benefits.

08/31/2025

08/23/2025

TONIGHT is the last night to see 3000 Days of Abandonment.

Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at the Paterson Performing Arts Development Council's (PPADC) HAF Mainstage Showcase: 3000 Days of Abandonment by Joseph "Comrade" Classen. As part of the lineup for its 5th Annual Hamilton Arts Festival (HAF) PPADC is thrilled to premiere this dramatic play by Classen, its 2025 Playwright-In-Residence on Saturday, August 23, at the Paterson Great Falls Center. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

This drama explores the struggles of the Uribe family and the dynamics at play due to Dolores, a mother serving time in prison for drug trafficking, and the impact of her incarceration—and looming threats of deportation—on her young son, siblings and her own mother. Despite their challenges, the Uribe family demonstrate a strong bond, resilience, and a desire for a better future.

3000 Days of Abandonment is loosely based on the writer's own personal experiences growing up. "Comrade" Classen is a playwright, poet, and writer based in Elizabeth, NJ., and is of Puerto Rican and Colombian descent. He also is a hard-working father of two, who believes our deepest wounds can become our greatest weapons when it comes to a "Creative Revolution." He lives by the motto, "Forever Onwards."

Aug 23
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
39 McBride Ave. Ext
Paterson, NJ 07501, USA

Tickets: https://www.ppadc.org/events/

08/22/2025

Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at the Paterson Performing Arts Development Council's (PPADC) HAF Mainstage Showcase: 3000 Days of Abandonment by Joseph "Comrade" Classen. As part of the lineup for its 5th Annual Hamilton Arts Festival (HAF) PPADC is thrilled to premiere this dramatic play by Classen, its 2025 Playwright-In-Residence, on Friday, August 22, and Saturday, August 23, at the Paterson Great Falls Center. Tickets are $15 online and $20 at the door.

This drama explores the struggles of the Uribe family and the dynamics at play due to Dolores, a mother serving time in prison for drug trafficking, and the impact of her incarceration—and looming threats of deportation—on her young son, siblings and her own mother. Despite their challenges, the Uribe family demonstrate a strong bond, resilience, and a desire for a better future.

3000 Days of Abandonment is loosely based on the writer's own personal experiences growing up. "Comrade" Classen is a playwright, poet, and writer based in Elizabeth, NJ., and is of Puerto Rican and Colombian descent. He also is a hard-working father of two, who believes our deepest wounds can become our greatest weapons when it comes to a "Creative Revolution." He lives by the motto, "Forever Onwards."

Aug 22 & 23
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
39 McBride Ave. Ext
Paterson, NJ 07501, USA

Tickets: https://www.ppadc.org/events/

08/20/2025

The Hamilton Arts Festival is back! Join us from August 7-23 for a celebration of diverse artists in film, theater, and more. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this incredible event.

Hamilton Arts Festival Lineup:
Aug 22 & 23: Playwright Mainstage: 3000 Days of Abandonment

Support diverse voices and experience powerful art.

Grab your tickets here: https://www.ppadc.org/

08/20/2025

So, Hamilton Arts Festival is in full swing and we don't want you to miss the HAF Virtual Gallery!
This is a great interview and wonderful work that is happening right here in our community!! Big ups to the Paterson Restorative & Transformative Justice Dream Center Hub of New Destiny Family Success Centers for the great work and service to the community being accomplished with their programming!
Take a listen, take a look, take action to support!!!

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlNBzPO7PSRSQ0eVp1zwN-12csD-D9ftf&si=acuPJcZGqN6xYmld
Enjoy!!!

08/11/2025

Regettably, the Hamilton Arts Festival Artist Showcase slated for tomorrow evening (8/12) has been cancelled. We regret any inconvenience and all prepaid tickets will be refunded for the event.

The remainder of the festival will continue through 8/23/25.
We hope you'll join us for our remaining events:
A HAF VIRTUAL Art Gallery on 8/18
The HAF Playwright's Residency Competion 1st place winner,
3000 Days of Abandonment by playwright-in-residence Joseph Classen.
For more details and ticket information, visit us at www.ppadc.org

08/11/2025

The Hamilton Arts Festival is back! Join us from August 7-23 for a celebration of diverse artists in film, theater, and more. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this incredible event.

Hamilton Arts Festival Lineup:
Aug 12: Artist Showcase
Aug 22 & 23: Playwright Mainstage: 3000 Days of Abandonment

Support diverse voices and experience powerful art.

Grab your tickets here: https://www.ppadc.org/