Pennsylvania Playhouse stages a Pulitzer Prize-winning play and Reclaimed Performing Arts Company presents a classic Shakespeare tragedy.

The Playhouse is tackling August Wilson’s acclaimed play “Fences,” March 28 to April 13.

Reclaimed Performing Arts Company will present Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” March 28 and 29, East Hills Moravian Church, Bethlehem.

Written in 1985, “Fences” is the sixth in Wilson’s 10-part “Pittsburgh Cycle.” Like all of the “Pittsburgh” plays, “Fences” explores the evolving African-American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. The play won the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1987 Tony Award for Best Play.

Set in 1950s’ Pittsburgh, “Fences” follows Troy Maxson (Willie Wo), a former baseball player now working as a garbage collector. Struggling with the disappointment of dreams unfulfilled, Troy’s bitterness starts to affect relationships with his family.

As he builds a fence around his house, he builds emotional walls that keep out those he loves, including his wife Rose (Junaita Renay), his sons Cory (Marquett Ferell) and Lyons (Tyronn Brewington) and his brother Gabriel (Jaciel Cordoba). The drama delves into themes of family, love, responsibility, and the lasting impact of prejudice.

“Fences” is directed by Adam Newborn. The cast includes Devin T. Dobson, Raynell Maxson and Jalianna M. Miller.

There will be a cast talk-back after the April 5 performance, which is a “pay what you will” admission.

“Fences,” 7:30 p.m. March 28, 29, April 4, 5, 11, 12; 3 p.m. March 30, April 6, 13, Pennsylvania Playhouse, 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem. 610-865-6665, http://www.paplayhouse.org/

Now in its second year, Reclaimed Performing Arts Company presents Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as its first show of 2025.

The theater group was founded by 2023 Cedar Crest College graduate Carter Reichard, who says its goal is to create a judgment-free artistic space.

Reichard, who directs “Hamlet,” says the company’s goal is to showcase those who are typically under-represented in the arts.

The group presented “Much Ado About Nothing,” in December 2023 and “Romeo and Juliet” in October in its “Extreme Shakespeare” series. “Hamlet” is fully-produced.

Considered one of the greatest plays of all time, “Hamlet” was written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1601.

Set in Denmark, the play depicts Prince Hamlet (Zachary Lentz) and his attempts to exact revenge against his uncle, Claudius (Jaeden Reppert), who has murdered Hamlet’s father in order to seize his throne and marry Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude (Moriah Faith).

“This is an experimental production in which we plan to challenge the perspective when looking at this story that we all think we know,” Reichard says.

The cast includes Alyssa Steiner, Chelsi Fread, Meaghan Lawlor, Ryan Zickafoose and Danny Black.

“Hamlet,” 7 p.m. March 28, 29, Reclaimed Performing Arts Company, East Hills Moravian Church, 1830 Butztown Road, Bethlehem. Tickets: https://reclaimedpac.square.site/

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com