The Return of Benjamin Lay — Quintessence Theatre Group

Tickets are now available: www.quintessencetheatre.org/thereturnofb...

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

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!

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

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

“…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.

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

“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

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

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

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

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.

📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social

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.

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

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

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...

“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.

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

"Mark Povinelli gives a powerhouse of a performance, absolutely phenomenal.” –@thedisabilityallynyc via Instagram

📸: @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.

🥂 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

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

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

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.

“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

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.

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

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

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

“…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

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

“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

Sheen Center for Thought and Culture

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Wearing a striped vest, a tall actress with brown, tight, curly hair — Sydney Cole Alexander – smiles at the camera against a banner with the logo for 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

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

Shepherd. Sailor. Revolutionary.

THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY starring Mark Povinelli is now open at the Sheen Center.

📸: @rebeccajmichelson.bsky.social