Event Details
The Return of Benjamin Lay — A Powerful One-Man Play Comes to Newtown
What happens when someone is willing to risk everything to challenge injustice?
On Friday, October 16 at 2:30 p.m., Friends Village welcomes The Return of Benjamin Lay, a compelling one-man play starring acclaimed stage, film and television actor Mark Povinelli.
Nearly 300 years after his death, Benjamin Lay returns to a Quaker meeting house to confront the community that disowned him for his outspoken opposition to slavery. Standing just four feet tall, the self-described “Little David” challenged the Goliath of slavery at tremendous personal cost. Moving between past and present, the production explores conscience, protest, equality and what it means to stand against injustice—even when doing so means challenging your own community.
Povinelli brings an extensive career to the role, with credits including the OBIE Award-winning Mabou Mines DollHouse, Nightmare Alley, Water for Elephants, Modern Family, Criminal Minds and Boardwalk Empire. He is also a longtime advocate for people with dwarfism and has served as president of Little People of America.
Registration is requested at least 48 hours in advance. Contact Norma Coverdale at 215-968-3346 ext. 100 or ncoverdale@friends-village.org, or register online.
This special presentation is made possible with support from Newtown Friends Meeting. Donations are welcome to help defray the cost of bringing this production to Friends Village.
Register and learn more at Friends Village: friends-village.org/benjamin-lay