The Return of Benjamin Lay
@benlayplay.bsky.social
By Naomi Wallace & Marcus Rediker, directed by Ron Daniels, starring Mark Povinelli
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
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
April 7, 2025 at 4:51 PM
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
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
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!
April 6, 2025 at 8:17 PM
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!
“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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
April 5, 2025 at 12:35 AM
“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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
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
Use the code FLASH at checkout to access $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
April 2, 2025 at 9:55 PM
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
Use the code FLASH at checkout to access $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
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.
April 2, 2025 at 7:24 PM
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.
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
Secure your tickets now, using the code FLASH for $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay
April 1, 2025 at 1:50 PM
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
Secure your tickets now, using the code FLASH for $39 tickets: sheencenter.org/events/detail/the-return-of-benjamin-lay
“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.
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.
March 31, 2025 at 4:00 PM
“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.
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.
"Mark Povinelli gives a powerhouse of a performance, absolutely phenomenal.” –@thedisabilityallynyc via Instagram
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
March 29, 2025 at 3:20 PM
"Mark Povinelli gives a powerhouse of a performance, absolutely phenomenal.” –@thedisabilityallynyc via Instagram
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
🥂 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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
March 28, 2025 at 2:57 PM
🥂 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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
“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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
March 27, 2025 at 1:48 PM
“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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
March 26, 2025 at 7:59 PM
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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
“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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
March 25, 2025 at 1:15 PM
“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
📸: Rebecca J. Michelson
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.
March 25, 2025 at 12:09 AM
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.
Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay
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.
Shepherd. Sailor. Revolutionary.
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
March 24, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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.
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.
March 23, 2025 at 6:14 PM
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.
📸 Opening Night of #BenLayPlay, seen through photographer @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social’s eyes
March 23, 2025 at 12:13 AM
📸 Opening Night of #BenLayPlay, seen through photographer @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social’s eyes
Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay
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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
March 21, 2025 at 1:56 AM
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
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
Shepherd. Sailor. Revolutionary.
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
March 18, 2025 at 5:22 PM
Shepherd. Sailor. Revolutionary.
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.
📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social
@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.
Rodriguez on what they hope audiences will walk away with upon seeing THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center.
March 16, 2025 at 1:53 PM
@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.
Rodriguez on what they hope audiences will walk away with upon seeing THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at the Sheen Center.
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
March 15, 2025 at 1:48 PM
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
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.
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.
March 15, 2025 at 2:59 AM
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.
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.
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.
March 14, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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.
Reposted by The Return of Benjamin Lay
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...
www.sheencenter.org/events/detai...
March 14, 2025 at 11:35 AM
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...
www.sheencenter.org/events/detai...
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.
March 14, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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.