Skip to main content

The Return of Benjamin Lay

“There is no such thing as me or you, only and always ‘us.’”

Quantum Theatre invites you to the American premiere of The Return of Benjamin Lay, the story of a radical abolitionist written by esteemed playwright Naomi Wallace and the University of Pittsburgh’s award-winning historian Marcus Rediker.

In the newly renovated Braddock Carnegie Library, Benjamin Lay asks us to listen rather than hear, to see rather than look. Told through the talents of acclaimed director Ron Daniels and actor Mark Povinelli, the play brings to light the true story of a fiery revolutionary fighting the injustice of slavery.

His ‘radical’ ideas and unconditional, unrelenting calls for emancipation ultimately cost Benjamin Lay a place in the Quaker community he loved. But he did not lower his voice. He was a towering example of strength, a man willing to speak and hoping to be heard, a fierce man who stood only four-feet tall.

Now Benjamin Lay has returned to ask us, in the position once occupied by his Quaker brethren: what does freedom mean to you? When injustice knocks at your door, will you look away or stand tall and fight?

Learn more about the show: A note from Karla Boos, Artistic Director

SHOWTIMES

January 31 – February 23, 2025
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 8pm
Saturday and Sunday | 2pm

Staged at the Braddock Carnegie Library: 419 Library Street, Braddock, PA

Download our map for parking recommendations

GET SHOW TICKETS

Meet the Extraordinary Creative Team

We are so proud to bring the American premiere to the Quantum audience, “an audience with the taste, desire for adventure, and highly developed sense of justice to bring The Return of Benjamin Lay to life on American soil. Return he will, to his Pennsylvania Quaker roots, and I hope we will take courage from his example.”

Karla Boos, Artistic Director

Special Events

Champagne in glasses

Opening Night
Friday, January 31

Be the first to see The Return of Benjamin Lay! After the show, enjoy champagne, sweets from Bistro to Go, and a chance to socialize with the actors and creative team.

""

Sunday Q&A
Sunday, February 2 | 2pm

Attend the first Sunday matinee and stay afterwards for a discussion with the cast, crew, and creative team. Learn about the artistic inspirations and production challenges involved with this show.

Group gathered

Social Q
Wednesday, February 5 | 6:30pm

Enjoy a special pre-show reception at Braddock Public House while you mingle with Quantum friends old and new.

Wine glasses

Quantum Quaff
Thursday, February 6 | 6:30pm

Enjoy a special pre-show reception with specially curated wines from Nine O’Clock Wines and food pairings from Bistro to Go.

""

Wednesday Q&A
Wednesday, February 12 | 8pm

Stay after the show for a discussion with Mark Povinelli and co-writer Marcus Rediker. Learn about the artistic inspirations and production challenges involved with this show.

GET Q&A TICKETS
group of 3 on couch

Quantum on the Couch
Saturday, February 15 | 8pm

Join Dr. Manuel Reich, Psychiatrist, for a post-show discussion of the psychological issues raised by the play and its characters.

GET COUCH TICKETS

ACCESSIBILITY

If you require accessible parking or have other accessibility needs, please call us at 412.362.1713 or email quantum@quantumtheatre.com and we will be happy to assist you.

Assistive listening devices will be available at all performances, thanks to support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District.

The Return of Benjamin Lay in the news

""

“The Return of Benjamin Lay” at Quantum Theatre

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay | No Comments
The Pittsburgh Tatler - Hypocrisy is in the air, dear Reader. No, I’m not talking about the shitshow in Washington, although obviously it hangs thick there; rather, I’m talking about…
""

Making a Statement, Living the Statement: Quantum’s ‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay | No Comments
Entertainment Central Pittsburgh - In our politically charged times, a lot of politically charged works are being produced in the performing arts, and not everyone is happy about the trend.…
""

Quantum scores a coup with ‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay | No Comments
onStage Pittsburgh - Quantum Theatre is staging more than just a play, but a theatrical coup. Securing The Return of Benjamin Lay and its actor, Mark Povinelli, Quantum brings this play from its London…
""

Quantum Theatre spotlights historical abolitionist with ‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay | No Comments
Quantum Theatre’s new production will shine a light on a historical rebel you won’t find in textbooks. Benjamin Lay was an 18th-century abolitionist and animal rights advocate. He was also…
Voice of the Arts

Quantum Theatre’s The Return of Benjamin Lay

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay | No Comments
WQED - Quantum Theatre is starting 2025 off with an American Premiere! We sat down with playwrights Naomi Wallace and Marcus Rediker, to talk about their production of "The Return…
""

A behind-the-scenes look at ‘The Return of Benjamin Lay’

| 2024-2025 Season, The Return of Benjamin Lay, Watch | No Comments
Pittsburgh Today Live - Daisy got a behind-the-scenes look at 'The Return of Benjamin Lay' that's playing at the Braddock Carnegie Library from January 31 to February 23.   Click…