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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

Use code FLASH now to access $39 tickets for our final performances: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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

“…that there are important stories that will always be told, and this is one of them.” –Pooya Mohseni (ENGLISH on Broadway) THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY must close this Sunday! Don’t miss one of your final chances to see this timely, awe-inspiring play at the Sheen Center in NYC.

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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

You only have five performances left to catch Mark Povinelli as Benjamin Lay at the Sheen Center! Lock in your tickets now before they're gone: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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

There are only six more chances left to see this award-winning play before it leaves NYC! Secure your tickets now: www.sheencenter.org/events/detai...

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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

Don't miss THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY! Our final performance plays April 6. Book your seats now: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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

Want to see this exhibit in person? The companion exhibition on the Radical Legacy of Benjamin Lay remains opem through April 13 in the Janet Hennessey Dilenschneider Gallery.

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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

“…as seen through the creative lens of faith and respect,’ it’s Naomi Wallace and @marcusrediker.bsky.social’s The Return of Benjamin Lay.” –The Interested Bystander Lock in your tickets now at Sheen Center, with performances through April 6: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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

Don't miss THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY, now playing at the Sheen Center and starring Mark Povinelli through April 6. Tickets are available now at SheenCenter.org.

sheencenter.org

Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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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Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay

Martha Hodes @marthahodes.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Go see this incredible one-man show, based on the book by historian Marcus Rediker, @marcusrediker.bsky.social, playing in New York NOW and heading to Philadelphia in May. It is so timely. You will be deeply moved.

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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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Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay

Quaker Pirate @quakerpirate.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

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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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Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay

Marcus Rediker @marcusrediker.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

The City of New York has officially named Monday, March 17, the day our play opens, as Benjamin Lay Day. Thanks to our producers, Rachel Jackson and the Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company, for making this happen. Please join us Monday for the opening of the play! www.sheencenter.org/events/detai...

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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

To see this artwork on display in-person, visit our companion exhibition at Sheen Center called, "The Radical Legacy of Benjamin Lay," before and after performances of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY in the Janet Hennessey Dilenschneider Gallery. This exhibition opens today, continuing through April 13!

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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

This team is ready and eager to bring the true story of Benjamin Lay back to life on the stage, March 14 through April 6. Secure your seats by tapping the link below. Act quick – previews are almost sold out! sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay

sheencenter.org

The Return of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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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 · 05/03/2025

We are so thrilled to share that Raven Snook of @tdfnyc.bsky.social has listed THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY as one of the 15 Shows to See Off Broadway This March! Are you a member of TDF? Search our name and save on tickets to see the show! www.tdf.org/on-stage/tdf...

tdf.org

15 Shows to See Off Broadway This March

Catch Andrew Scott, Maura Tierney, Kate Baldwin and more stars onstage

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

Learn more about Ben Lay after our performances at the Sheen Center by visiting our companion exhibition, "The Radical Legacy of Benjamin Lay." Tap the link to learn more: sheencenter.org/events/detail/benjamin-lay-exhibit

sheencenter.org

The Radical Legacy of Benjamin Lay | Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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