Becoming Benjamin Lay: A new documentary featuring Mark Povinelli

Becoming Benjamin Lay is a 56-minute documentary directed by the eminent filmmaker Tony Buba. The film explores Lay's controversial life, discussing his fierce commitment to abolitionism at a time when many Quakers owned slaves; his dwarfism and how his body shaped his politics; why he has been forgotten in history; and what he has to say to us today.

"Much of the film revolves around the making of a play I wrote with Naomi Wallace, The Return of Benjamin Lay, which has been staged in London, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. We explore the challenges faced by our actor Mark Povinelli as he portrays a difficult and complex character from 300 years ago. We emphasize how the four Quaker meetings who disowned Benjamin in the 18c have now re-embraced him. We include interviews with members of the Abington (PA) Quaker Meeting who led the way in getting Benjamin restored to a place of remembrance and respect within the Quaker community."

Marcus Rediker

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Host or Publisher Bristol Quakers