Quintessence Theatre features British Quaker who once challenged Ben Franklin.

Quintessence Theatre is currently presenting a compelling theatrical exploration titled The Return of Benjamin Lay, which runs until May 18. The production aims to shed light on the lesser-known figure of Benjamin Lay, an 18th-century British abolitionist and Quaker, who was not only a period radical but also a champion of justice. Despite his four-foot stature, Lay’s impact was profound, as he continually confronted the establishment, including prominent figures such as Benjamin Franklin.

Lay has recently garnered renewed interest, especially following the 2017 biography, The Fearless Benjamin Lay: The Quaker Dwarf Who Became the First Revolutionary Abolitionist, authored by University of Pittsburgh professor Marcus Rediker. This resurgence in popularity has sparked conversations around Lay’s legacy, with some calling for a statue to replace that of William Penn at Philadelphia’s City Hall, arguing that Lay deserves greater recognition for his contributions to the abolitionist movement.

The Return of Benjamin Lay is co-written by Rediker and British playwright Naomi Wallace, set within the context of the Abington Friends Meeting where Lay was controversially expelled for his outspoken opposition to fellow Quakers’ enslavement practices. The production features actor Mark Povinelli in a one-man show, embodying Lay’s spirit with vibrancy and intensity.

Directed by renowned Royal Shakespeare Company director Ron Daniels, this production invites the audience into Lay’s world as he seeks readmission to a society that shunned him. In a significant act of reconciliation, Abington Friends honored Lay with a historical marker and headstone in 2018, recognizing him as a “Friend of the Truth.”

Throughout the performance, Lay recounts key life moments, including his dramatic demonstration against slavery, which involved kidnapping a child to illustrate the pain of familial separation. Povinelli’s performance skillfully balances radicalism with moments of humor, engaging the audience in a dialogue that feels both timely and urgent.

On its opening night, the resonance of Lay’s fervent calls for justice was marked, particularly in the context of Quintessence Theatre’s announcement about challenges faced due to eliminated federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts under the Trump administration.

While the staging is minimalist, a more varied scene structure could enhance audience engagement beyond Povinelli’s dynamic delivery. The show’s climax features a dramatic reenactment of one of Lay’s most infamous protests, which involved dousing his fellow Quakers in red pokeberry juice to symbolize their complicity in slavery. This poignant moment is executed with striking visual effects, allowing for an emotionally charged conclusion.

The Return of Benjamin Lay stands as a vibrant reminder of an important yet overlooked voice in American history. The potential for future interpretations of Lay’s life story remains significant, whether through film or theatrical adaptations, as audiences continue to seek enlightenment on figures like Lay who dared to challenge societal norms and demand justice.

This timely production offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the past while considering its implications in our current divide, inviting a deeper understanding of a man whose revolutionary ideals still resonate today.

The Return of Benjamin Lay will be showcased through May 18 at 7137 Germantown Ave. For further details, one can visit quintessencetheatre.org.

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