The Return of Benjamin Lay, the story of a radical Abington abolitionist, arrives in Philadelphia for the first time, with a run at the Quintessence Theatre, writes Kristin Hunt for the Philly Voice.
Lay, a 4-foot-7 activist, protested slavery so loudly in 1700s Philadelphia that his own congregation expelled him. Dismissed by his contemporaries as an eccentric little person, history ultimately proved him right.
Lay is played by Mark Povinelli, who has perfected the role over the last three productions, even though he remains in awe of the man he is portraying.
“It felt like you’re trying to almost capture some mythological creature or some fantastical character or some religious icon,” said Povinelli. “Somebody who’s sainted, that doesn’t feel like a real person.”
The play is co-written by Marcus Rediker, the historian who has returned the long-dead historical figure to the public consciousness.
The fourth production of the play will run from May 1 to May 18 at the Quintessence Theatre.
The show previously played in London, Pittsburgh, and New York, making this run something of a homecoming for the titular character, who carried out his most effective activism in Philadelphia.
Read more about Benjamin Lay in the Philly Voice.
