Like those who heard him nearly more than 250 years ago, a modern dramatic reading on Oct. 15 gives audience members a chance to bear witness to “The Return of Benjamin Lay.”
Dubbed the “Quaker Comet,” Benjamin Lay was an 18th-century Philadelphia Quaker. Lay was born in England. The fierce anti-slavery advocate lived ideals during a time that didn’t align with his own values.
Lay will be brought to life through a dramatic reading performance at the Middletown Friends Meeting House from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 15. The performance is sponsored by Middletown Friends and the African American Museum of Bucks County.
“We want people to understand how passionate he was to end slavery and how one person can make a difference,” said Patricia Mervine, outreach clerk for Middletown Friends Meeting.
Like actor and social activist Mark Povinelli who portrays Lay in the dramatic readings, Lay had dwarfism.
Povinelli has appeared in scores of television shows, on theatrical stages and theater productions; and in film and national commercials.
Lay did not buy or consume any products made from slaves or those held in bondage and did not use animal products – difficult practices during the American Colonial Era.
She said Lay stood for values that continue” to resonate and need voices today.
“His passions exploded in outrageous guerilla-theater-like tactics that resulted in him being physically removed from nearly every meetinghouse he entered and eventually caused him to be banished from the Society of Friends,” Mervine added.
The dramatic reading is an imagined plea for restoration.
The documentary film, “Becoming Benjamin Lay,” by director Tony Buba, historian and writer Marcus Rediker and playwright Naomi Wallace, follows Povinelli’s journey to become Lay for the dramatic readings.
“Lay was the first one to come out with ending slavery now. By 1776 Philadelphia-area Quakers were no longer allowed to have people in bondage; or to buy or sell humans or they would be written out of meeting with the Society of Friends.
In May, 2025, Quintessence Theatre located in Philadelphia’s Northeast Mount Airy section, hosted the area premiere of “The Return of Benjamin Lay.”
The show’s world premiere was at Finborough Theatre in London, England and starred Povinelli as Lay.
An audience discussion with Povinelli and Rediker follows the performance reading. Light refreshments will be served. Those planning to attend are encouraged to register here.
“We want people to understand how passionate Lay was to end slavery and how one person can make a difference,” Mervine said.
If you go:
What: “The Return of Benjamin Lay,” a dramatic reading.
When: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 15.
Where: Middletown Friends Meeting House, 453 West Maple Ave., Langhorne.
Cost: Free to attend; donations encouraged at the door.
