Dramatic Reading Recreates 18th-Century Philadelphia Quaker Abolitionist Benjamin Lay’s Legacy in Langhorne

A dramatic reading on October 15 brought the fiery 18th-century Philadelphia Quaker abolitionist Benjamin Lay to life in Langhorne. The performance, titled “The Return of Benjamin Lay,” took place at the Middletown Friends Meeting House. Sponsored by Middletown Friends and the African American Museum of Bucks County, the event aimed to highlight Lay’s passionate advocacy against slavery and his impact on the Religious Society of Friends.

Benjamin Lay, known as the “Quaker Comet,” was born in England and later became a prominent figure in Philadelphia. His anti-slavery stance often clashed with the values of his time. The dramatic reading, performed by actor and social activist Mark Povinelli, sought to bring Lay’s legacy to a modern audience. Povinelli, who has appeared in numerous television shows and theatrical productions, portrayed Lay with a focus on his physical challenges, as Lay himself had dwarfism.

Patricia Mervine, outreach clerk for Middletown Friends Meeting, emphasized Lay’s commitment to ending slavery and his belief in the power of individual action. She noted that Lay’s practices, such as avoiding products made from slaves or animal products, were uncommon during the American Colonial Era. Mervine described Lay’s fervor as leading to confrontations that resulted in his banishment from the Society of Friends.

The dramatic reading was part of a broader effort to revive Lay’s story. The documentary film “Becoming Benjamin Lay,” directed by Tony Buba and featuring historian Marcus Rediker and playwright Naomi Wallace, documented Povinelli’s journey to embody Lay. The film’s world premiere took place at Finborough Theatre in London, with a subsequent area premiere in Philadelphia. An audience discussion with Povinelli and Rediker followed the performance.

The event included light refreshments and encouraged registration for attendees. It served as an imagined plea for restoration, reflecting on Lay’s enduring influence and the relevance of his values today. The performance underscored the importance of standing firm in one’s convictions, a theme echoed in Micah 6:8, which calls for acting with mercy, justice, and humility.

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