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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 07/04/2025

Our journey in NYC has officially ended, but the story doesn’t stop there! 🎭 Don’t miss the next iteration of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli, playing @quintessencephl.bsky.social in Philadelphia, PA from May 1 to May 18. 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Our friend Dr. Jennifer Arnold stopped by the Sheen Center last night to see THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY with her friends and family during our final weekend in NYC! Thank you for celebrating the story of Ben Lay with all of us, Dr. Arnold!

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

“Who should see this? Anybody who wants to feel that they’re watching something that has something important to say. People who want to re–energize their heart to feel that there is important theatre being done in New York…” 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

As Benjamin Lay, Mark Povinelli is seen seated in a brown chair, raising a single paper pamphlet in the air with his right hand.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Only FIVE performances left before the curtain closes in NYC! Don’t miss Mark Povinelli in THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center, now through Sunday. Use the code FLASH at checkout to access $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay 📸: Rebecca J. Michelson

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Why should you see THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY in NYC? Don’t take our word for it. Hear what audience members and Opening Night guests have to say.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

There are only SIX CHANCES left to see Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay at the Sheen Center in NYC! Don’t miss this award-winning show about one history-making man. Secure your tickets now, using the code FLASH for $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

A production image of Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay holding a white cloth over his head, covered by text indicating the title of the show, the text “ONLY 6 CHANCES LEFT,” and the text to use code FLASH for $39 tickets to the show.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 31/03/2025

“This is one of the most wonderful theater evenings I’ve had in a very, very long time.” –Emily Mann (Director, Playwright, and Screenwriter) We asked NYC audience members to share what makes THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY so special, timely, and unforgettable — here’s what they had to say.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

"Mark Povinelli gives a powerhouse of a performance, absolutely phenomenal.” –@thedisabilityallynyc via Instagram 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

Mark Povinelli stands in the center of a dark navy step-and-repeat background. He wears a gray jacket with jeans.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

🥂 Mark Povinelli after a sold-out crowd on Opening Night, sharing a laugh with Matthew Jeffers and Jillian Ilana during cocktail hour 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

We see a group of four people smiling and laughing, holding glasses of wine at an after party in a brightly lit art gallery.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 27/03/2025

“I was grateful and pleasantly surprised when every aspect of the performance, script, and production values far exceeded my expectations.” –Damon Evans, Actor (The Jeffersons, Roots: The Next Generation) 📸: Rebecca J. Michelson

We see Mark Povinelli center stage, washed in red lights, in character as Benjamin Lay. He has his hands down in front of him, as if in shackles. We see Mark’s large shadow prominently in the background.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Our companion exhibit to THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center may be explored before or after performances of the play. Here, discover images from David Lester's graphic novel, PROPHET AGAINST SLAVERY: BENJAMIN LAY. 📸: Rebecca J. Michelson

A white gallery wall is seen covered with prints of images from graphic novels, printed in black and white.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

“If there was ever a play that epitomizes the mission statement of Sheen Center for Thought & Culture, which is proudly ‘a haven for the arts and provides a platform for provocative conversations about diverse and inclusive aspects of humanity…” 📸: Rebecca J. Michelson

Dressed as Benjamin Lay, Mark Povinelli holds onto a ladder. The stage is washed in blue, evoking the feeling of being on the water.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Want to bring home a signed copy from Naomi Wallace? Stop by the Drama Book Shop and ask for any of the titles above, while supplies last.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY co-writer Naomi Wallace stopped by Drama Book Shop to sign copies of her works: THE LIQUID PLAIN, THE TRESTLE AT POPE LICK CREEK, IN THE HEART OF AMERICA, and ONE FLEA SPARE.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Have you visited our companion exhibition on the Radical Legacy of Benjamin Lay? Don’t miss your chance before or after a performance of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY to explore this eye-opening exhibit, featuring art by activists like @quakerpirate.bsky.social, seen here.

A tall man stands to the right of a column of Benjamin Lay printed artwork, with the words “Practice Radical Empathy” seen in large lettering.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

📸 Opening Night of #BenLayPlay, seen through photographer @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social’s eyes

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 21/03/2025

This past Monday, our friend, Sydney Cole Alexander – who you will recognize as Natalie on the hit #AppleTV show, #Severance – joined us for Opening Night of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY. Don’t miss the season finale of #Severance tonight! 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Shepherd. Sailor. Revolutionary. THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center. 📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

Mark Povinelli as Ben Lay, wears a plate of armor with a brown belt.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

@izoldat.bsky.social of Your Creative Mind Podcast spoke with lead producers Arsalan Sattari-Hicks and Joseph W. Rodriguez on what they hope audiences will walk away with upon seeing THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

Performances of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY began last night and continue through April 6. Explore our full calendar at the Sheen Center below. 📆 sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

We see the outdoor black awning with the word, “SHEEN,” in all caps. Underneath the awning, we see a vertical board with the poster for THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY, featuring an image of Mark Povinelli in character.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 15/03/2025

First preview went off without a hitch. 🩸 THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY performances have now begun at the Sheen Center, starring the incomparable Mark Povinelli. Don’t miss this 70-minute look into the life of one remarkable man, now through April 6.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Tonight, performances of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY begin at the Sheen Center. The true story of abolitionist Ben Lay will take life again 300 years later, right in front of your eyes. Don't miss this intimate, 70-minute exploration of one man's mission to change the world.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Our final day in rehearsals before first previews begin. It's no question — Mark Povinelli is a force in this 70-minute, one-man play, as he transforms into Benjamin Lay.

Mark Povinelli can be sound in the background in shadow, with the members of the creative and production team in the front of house booth with backs to the lens.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Marcus then partook in a public conversation with UH Professor Emeritus Charles Lawrence on the long history of resistance to tyrannies and the lessons they hold for confronting injustice in our own time. 📸: MacKenzie Olivo

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 13/03/2025

Did you know? In December of 2024, Mark Povinelli and co-writer @marcusrediker.bsky.social traveled to the University of Hawai’i to present a dramatic reading of Benjamin Lay as part of the Better Tomorrow Lecture Series.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

Our friend, @aubreysmalls.bsky.social, stopped by rehearsals this week, chatting with Mark Povinelli and co-writer @marcusrediker.bsky.social. More to come… watch this space for more with Aubrey very soon. 👀

Mark Povinelli wears a black t-shirt with dark khakis and black tennis shoes. He smiles to the left of Aubrey Smalls, also grinning, wearing a white long-sleeve t-shirt with black pants and shoes. Aubrey also can be seen holding an iPhone on a tripod.

Aubrey Smalls, wearing a white long-sleeve t-shirt with black pants and shoes, is seen from the back to the left of a long, foldable table in the rehearsal room. Behind the table, we see co-writer Marcus Rediker smiling, wearing a sweater with a moose pattern.

Mark Povinelli wears a black t-shirt with dark khakis and black tennis shoes. He smiles to the left of Aubrey Smalls, who is wearing a white long-sleeve t-shirt with black pants and shoes. In this image, Aubrey’s iPhone is in hand as he edits something we cannot see, with a tripod standing in front of him.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 10/03/2025

Our preview performance on Sunday, March 16 has officially sold out! Tickets for remaining previews are low – if you're planning to catch a performance during previews, don't delay. Lock in your tickets today: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

Dressed in character as Benjamin Lay, we see Mark Povinelli wearing a black cardigan with a white undershirt and black pants, sitting on the edge of dark brown, wooden bench. He looks pensive. On-screen text reads: "SOLD OUT: Sunday March 16 Preview Performance"

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 09/03/2025

📸 Our Movement Consultant, the legendary and award-winning Bill Irwin, in rehearsals with Mark Povinelli, brushing up on Benjamin Lay’s mannerisms in advance of the show’s first preview this Friday. Bill soon begins work in Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, 'Odyssey.'

Bill Irwin, wearing a short black T-shirt, holds onto Mark Povinelli's shoulders, as Mark mimics holding something in the air with his right hand. Mark is wearing a black undershirt, black blazer, and dark khaki pants.

We see Bill Irwin's back to us, only seeing the back of his head, black shirt, and black slacks. Mark Povinelli is seen in the background with his arms in an airplane motion, as if he is simulating flight.

Marcus Rediker can be seen very close to the camera with his back to us. Off in the far background, we see Bill Irwin stepping towards Mark Povinelli, as Povinelli leans away in character.

Bill Irwin, wearing a short black T-shirt, stands to the right of Mark Povinelli. Mark stands still, wearing a black undershirt, black blazer, and dark khaki pants.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Phenomenal artist and activist @quakerpirate.bsky.social has revealed his next print – one featuring our protagonist, Benjamin Lay, and his well-known call to "practice radical empathy."

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 06/03/2025

Tuesday marked our first day of rehearsals in NYC! The excitement in the air was palpable as Mark Povinelli once again stepped into the shoes of this historic abolitionist. Left to right: Isabelle Zoeller (PSM), Ron Daniels (Director), Mark Povinelli (Benjamin Lay), and Marcus Rediker (Co-Writer)

Left to right: Isabelle Zoeller (PSM), Ron Daniels (Director), Mark Povinelli (Benjamin Lay), and Marcus Rediker (Co-Writer)

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Performances of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY begin next Friday! Have you secured your tickets yet? Don't miss your chance to watch this true, empowering story of one man facing impossible odds at the Sheen Center through April 6. 📸: Robert Boulton

Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay stands center stage, with a brown chair behind him. We see two large open windows in the background, letting lots of natural sunlight stream in. Mark wears a black suit from the 1700s with a white collared shirt underneath.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 01/03/2025

Did you know? Benjamin Lay made his own clothes and refused to consume anything produced by slave labor. He acted on his ideals to create a new, practical, revolutionary way of life, and inspired future generations to fight for freedom and radically live their values.

Mark Povinelli is seen onstage as Benjamin Lay, wearing a crisp and white button-down from the 1700s. On-screen, we read the following text on what seems to be a scroll of parchment paper: “Did you know? Benjamin Lay made his own clothes and refused to consume anything produced by slave labor.”

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

What about Benjamin Lay's life inspires you the most? Drop your response in the comments below. 📸: Robert Boulton

Mark Povinelli is seen on the rehearsal stage, standing between two brown dining room chairs. He wears a grey sweater while holding a white, paper kite that has fallen to the floor.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

📆 March 7 through April 13 – Companion Exhibition 📆 March 14 at 7pm – Playhouse Creatures Alumni Night 📆 March 16 after 3pm show – Creative Team Talkback 📆 March 22 at 7pm – Quaker Affinity Night

We see screenshots of the text included from the Broadway World article, available in full in the third post of this thread.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Thank you for the feature, @broadwayworld.bsky.social! BroadwayWorld announced several upcoming events we invite you to attend after performances of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 25/02/2025

Mark Povinelli’s passion and true joy onstage as Benjamin Lay are infectious. It's no surprise that this seasoned actor has held well-known roles in beloved films like WATER FOR ELEPHANTS and MIRROR, MIRROR.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 22/02/2025

On Sunday, March 16 following our matinee performance, join us for “Performing Resistance: A Talkback with the Creative Team,” ft. co-writers Naomi Wallace and @marcusrediker.bsky.social, director Ron Daniels, and actor Mark Povinelli, moderated by Playhouse Creature’s Erica Stevens Abbitt.

A graphic picturing the headshots of Naomi Wallace, Marcus Rediker, Mark Povinelli, Ron Daniels, and Erica Stephens Abbitt. The top left text reads, Performance Resistance: A Talkback with the Creative Team. The text in the lower right portion of the graphic reads, Sunday, March 16 Moderated by Erica Stephens Abbitt.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

The award-winning London production of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY premieres at New York City's Sheen Center from March 14 through April 6. Sweeping across the centuries and continents, THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY is a hallucinatory exploration of the life of a radical who became…

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company’s Associate AD, Erica Stevens Abbitt, traveled to Pittsburgh to support our sister production of THE RETURN OF BEJNAMIN LAY at Quantum Theatre. Pictured: Mark Povinelli, co-writer Naomi Wallace, director Ron Daniels, and co-writer @marcusrediker.bsky.social

A dark stage is illuminated by an out light of lights that form what appears to be the outline of a house onstage. We see a single brown chair and ladder onstage. The audience is in their seats, eager for the performance to begin.

Co-Writer Naomi Wallace stands to our left, with Mark Povinelli smiling in between Naomi and director Ron Daniels.

Co-Writer Marcus Rediker smiles and waves, looking directly at the camera, while sitting in the audience.

Naomi Wallace stands next to the front of the stage, smiling. We see a single brown chair in the distance onstage. The photo is washed in blue.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

If he were alive today, what would you ask Benjamin Lay? Tell us in the comments below. 📸: Robert Boulton

Actor Mark Povinelli stands on a rehearsal stage, wearing a gray cardigan and olive green pants. He holds his hands together close to his heart.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 15/02/2025

The little-known story of Benjamin Lay, an eighteenth-century Quaker dwarf who fiercely attacked slavery and imagined a new, more humane way of life, will be told for live, theatrical audiences beginning March 14 through April 6.

Dressed as Benjamin Lay with a period-perfect hat, actor Mark Povinelli stands on a wooden chair and holds what appears to be a small pamphlet of writings.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

One of the first ever to demand the total, unconditional emancipation of all enslaved Africans around the world, Benjamin Lay performed public guerrilla theater to shame slave masters, insisting that human bondage violated the fundamental principles of Christianity.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 14/02/2025

Did you know? A new film featuring our leading man, Mark Povinelli – THE TALLEST DWARF – will world premiere at SXSW in Austin this March, just days before Mark begins performances in THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY.

Six actors stand with their backs to us. They look onto their shadows on a wall in the foreground.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

In the words of co-writer Marcus Rediker, "Benjamin Lay's vegetarianism was part of a broader radical view of the world: he was not only an abolitionist, a vegetarian, and a champion of animal rights, but also..." 📸: Robert Boulton

Mark Povinelli, dressed as Benjamin Lay in a dark suit with a white shirt, is seen flying a tiny, white kite onstage.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Benjamin Lay Fast Facts: Did you know? Ben Lay was a fierce animal rights activist. According to co-writer @marcusrediker.bsky.social, "Benjamin Lay was not technically a vegan by modern standards. He apparently drank milk and ate honey (he was a beekeeper among other things)." 📸: Robert Boulton

Mark Povinelli is seen onstage as Benjamin Lay with the following text underneath him on parchment paper: Did you know? Benjamin Lay was a fierce animal rights activist.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 05/02/2025

Benjamin Lay was not only an abolitionist, a vegetarian, and a champion of animal rights, but also a feminist, an opponent of class privilege, and a protector of the earth and its environment.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Happy Opening Night to our friends at Quantum Theatre in Pittsburgh! Tonight, they open their own production of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY. Bravo, and welcome to the Ben Lay family! 📸: Quantum Theatre

We see a shadowy figure in the streaming light onstage. We know it is Benjamin Lay, about to speak.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Congratulations to Playhouse Creatures' Producing Artistic Director, Joseph W. Rodriguez!

2024 Encore Award to Joseph W. Rodriguez

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

"Are you willing to go to jail for conscience?" Benjamin Lay challenged the status quo over 300 years ago, speaking up and acting out against slavery, animal cruelty, and human rights violations against his fellow man.

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The Return of Benjamin Lay @benlayplay.bsky.social · 26/01/2025

Take a look behind-the-scenes of the first run of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY in London, starring our very own Mark Povinelli. Catch the New York premiere of this astonishing and relevant work, premiering at the Sheen Center from March 14 to April 6. 📸: Robert Boulton

Actor Mark Povinelli lays back on the ground, leaning against a brown table. He’s in present day clothes during a rehearsal, run-through of the play.

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