Directing · World Premiere · 2024
A play by Simon Bowler Khan
The Story
Han Van Meegeren is a struggling Dutch artist who discovers he has an extraordinary gift — not for original work, but for forgery. Selling fabricated masterworks to the tune of $30 million, he builds a secret fortune, until World War II brings the Nazis to his door.
Compelled by the SS to sell paintings to Reichsmarschall Göring, Van Meegeren profits further from the occupation. But at the war's end, he is arrested: accused not of forgery, but of selling Dutch national treasure to the enemy — a crime punishable by death.
His only defense is to confess the truth. He painted them himself. To prove it, he must paint a new Vermeer — in a jail cell, in four weeks, under the eyes of his accusers.
A story so absurd, and with a character so flawed, it can only be true.
Director's Statement
"Is a play great because of the playhouse or the production? The Overtime Theater offers directors the unique opportunity to push the boundaries of theater in an intimate and innovative setting."
Judgement of the Eye is an incredible but true story that explores the question around the value of art and what makes artworks truly great. Is it the content or the creator? Is it the truth behind the work or the piece itself?
Audiences can expect to see a story of "Truth versus Beauty." Set in a literal frame of art, the production brings to life one of the greatest art stories in history — the tale of Han van Meegeren. This modern take on the historical drama uses vibrant colors, lights, and sound to highlight the gray areas of van Meegeren's life and works.
The production presents a powerful combination of stagecraft, acting, and art to explore morality and ethics. By the end, the audience is left asking: was Han van Meegeren a forger — or a genius?
— Blake Hamman, Director
Production Photography
Replace placeholder image paths with actual filenames once photos are uploaded
Press & Response
"Director Blake Hamman and the entire company should feel wildly proud of this riveting and polished production!"
The reviewer praised the set and lighting design for working "masterfully" together to "create an atmosphere that closely followed the story, framing the characters in the world of the play." The production's visual storytelling "had us walking through it and talking through its moments for hours."
News 4 San Antonio covered the production, describing it as a story that "exposes the contradictions of how we perceive and value art, in a tale so absurd, and with a character so flawed, it can only be true."
"A creative, smart, and fast-moving production of an intriguing script. Excellent staging, a creative design concept, and committed performances by its cast."
Hedgepeth praised the production's handling of "hefty themes including truth and beauty and the always popular selling one's soul to the highest bidder," and noted that the "surprisingly touching conclusion" stayed with him the following morning. He returned to see the production a second time at closing weekend.
"A night of pure storytelling at its finest… Bravo to the director for bringing together a beautifully cohesive piece of artwork that also had a very poignant message."
"I felt part of the masterpieces he was creating. Like art does, it broadened my mind to see things from the artist's point of view and even question my own moral compass."
"Simon Bowler Khan was over the moon with this company's rendition of the worldwide premiere of his play. Amazing acting, sets, and costumes."
"It's a creative, smart, and fast-moving production. I really want to see it again."
About the Production
Judgement of the Eye arrived at The Overtime Theater as its world premiere — the first professional staging of Simon Bowler Khan's script anywhere in the world. The production ran to a sold-out house across its three-week run in August and September 2024.
The production earned four ATAC Globe nominations at the 33rd annual ceremony in November 2024, winning two: Outstanding Direction of a Drama (tied with A Raisin in the Sun at Classic Theatre) and Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama for Lucy Perez as Lotte. Lighting designer Peter J. Photos and costume designer Sara Brookes were also nominated in their respective categories — an exceptional showing for an independent theater doing a world premiere.
Since this premiere, the script has continued to gain momentum: it has received staged readings at the Phoenix Theatre New Play Festival (2025) and the Long Beach Playhouse New Theatre Festival (2025), and was a finalist at the New York International Theater Competition (2024).
Playwright
A playwright, screenwriter, and producer. His television and documentary career spans the BBC, Channel 4, ABC, PBS, Discovery, Fox, Bravo, and OWN. He holds a BA Honors in Film & TV from the University of Westminster, London, and an Associate Degree in Law from UCLA.
Awards for Judgement of the Eye:
Company
Han van Meegeren
Joshua Davis
Lead
Jo
Jenn Martin-Ortega
Theo
Phillip Lopez
Dr. Bredius
Safie Dorsey
Lotte
Lucy Perez
ATAC Globe · Outstanding Supporting Actress
Emma
Emma Kuplack
Inspector
John Boyd
Lt. Hess
Brandon Prince
Judge
Saphire Mendez
Jane
Jonathan Cordaway
Understudies
Creative Team
Direction
Blake Hamman
ATAC Globe · Outstanding Direction
Set Design
Jeanie De Leon
Costume Design
Sara Brookes
ATAC Nominated
Lighting Design
Peter J. Photos
ATAC Nominated
Sound Design
Nicko Villarreal
Stage Manager
Grantham Woods
ASM / Props
Ahmed Hussain
Production Photography
Jessica Mewborne
Mewborne Photography
Presented By
The Overtime Theater