Jon has been active as a director for theatre, television and cinema for many years. In 1985 Jon made his professional debut as a theatre director with a hit concept of WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? This would become his signature piece. Jon graduated Cum Laude from Amsterdam University with a highly controversial thesis on the play and was personally congratulated by Edward Albee.
Other work followed, such as TRUE WEST and BETRAYAL as well as teaching directing on a regular basis at Washington University - St.Louis, Webster Universities, and several universities and drama schools in The Netherlands, Belgium and France. He went on to direct various plays, such as A MIDSUMMER NIGHT DREAM, SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, AFTER MAGRITTE, SALOMÉ, the musical GUYS AND DOLLS and in 2018 LETTICE AND LOVAGE.
As a playwright Jon won three Musical Awards. One for his musical THE FABLE PAPERS which was based on a popular Dutch TV series. One for his translation and rewrite of the famous musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES. The latter was also the highly successful opening show for the brand new DeLaMar Theatre in Amsterdam in the presence of Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands. His received his third award for the adaptation of THE ADDAMS FAMILY.
In the 90s Jon was asked by the Disney Company to adapt and translate Disney films. in which he began to direct voice-talents in series and films such as LION KING, ALADDIN, POCAHONTAS, JUNGLE BOOK, DUMB AND DUMBER, MARY POPPINS, and PEARL HARBOUR. For Dutch national TV, Jon created an educational series on religions of the world entitled BIBLICAL STORIES. This won him a nomination for the prestigious Dutch television Awards; De Televizierring.
With his own comedy plays Jon developed a genre which is now called 'Het Nieuwe Genre' (The New Genre). His comedies are discerning in that they form a newer and more absurdist approach to comedy. In his plays the boundaries of what is possible and acceptable are constantly carefully challenged. Without misleading fans of farce and the comedy of errors, Jon manages to reach a much broader audience. The New Genre is Jon's signature to comedy on which he often lectures in Holland as well as abroad.
Jon wrote the musical CHARLEY, based on his play CHARLEY'S AUNT. Michael Reed wrote the music. The musical, starring Jon as Charley, opened December 2018 to raving five star reviews. His new comedy A GREAT MESS will open December 2019.
In 2012 Jon was honoured a knighthood by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.
He is fluent in English, German, French and Dutch.