FRIENDS VILLAGE
Proudly Presents
ABOUT THE PLAY
What happens when someone is willing to risk everything to challenge injustice?
The Return of Benjamin Lay brings one of America’s most fascinating—and often overlooked—early abolitionists back to life.
Nearly 300 years after his death, Benjamin Lay returns to a Quaker meeting house as fiery, unconventional, and determined as ever. Standing just four feet tall, the self-described “Little David” once took on the Goliath of slavery, openly confronting fellow Quakers who enslaved people at a time when speaking out came at tremendous personal cost.
Disowned by the Quaker community for his radical protests, Benjamin returns to plead his case—and to challenge those who still consider his actions dangerous and disruptive.
Moving between past and present, The Return of Benjamin Lay is a provocative and compelling exploration of slavery, conscience, protest, equality, and the courage it takes to stand against injustice—even when your own community stands against you.
MARK POVINELLI
BENJAMIN LAY
Mark is most known for his critically acclaimed performance as Torvald Helmer in the OBIE award winning production of Mabou Mines Dollhouse (St. Ann’s Warehouse and International Tour) as well as the premiere of Martha Clarke's Belle Epoque (Lincoln Center) in the lead role of Henri Toulouse-Lautrec. Other theatre includes performances at the Shakespeare Theater, Children's Theater Company, Radio City Music Hall, Oklahoma Lyric Theater, Will Geer Theatricum and UCLA Live.
Film includes Nightmare Alley, Water For Elephants, Mirror Mirror, The Hot Flashes and My Dinner With Herve.
Television includes Modern Family, Criminal Minds, Happyish, Boardwalk Empire, Charmed and Mad Dogs.
Mark became the first little person cast as a series regular on a network sitcom in Are You There, Chelsea?
As a noted social activist, in June 2017, Povinelli was elected President of the Little People of America which promotes awareness, advocacy and medical assistance for individuals with forms of dwarfism.
CREDITS
October 16th, 2026
2:00 pm
Friends Village, Styer Campus
331 Lower Dolington Road
Newtown, PA 18940
Register
Please register at least 48 hours in advance.
Complete the registration form by clicking the button below or contact Norma Coverdale. Via phone at (215) 968-3346 ext. 100 or via email at ncoverdale@friends-village.org
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