INTRODUCTION

Welcome and thank you for considering our campaign for The Return of Benjamin Lay. A fierce new play by acclaimed playwright Naomi Wallace and award-winning historian Marcus Rediker, directed by RSC Honorary Associate Ron Daniels, starring the incomparable Mark Povinelli.

Benjamin Lay, shepherd, sailor, and revolutionary abolitionist, returns from the grave 300 years after his death to confront the community that once disowned him with an act of guerrilla theatre, drawing references to modern activism. Centered around a highly skilled dwarf actor in a commanding role unprecedented in British theatre, supported by an international team of seasoned and emerging creatives, the production is informed by years of extensive research and has already fostered partnerships with academic institutions while prioritising inclusively and partnerships with activists in the Little People and Quaker communities globally. With audience engagement at it’s core and additional activities including talks and a broad PR campaign, we will build on the impact of the source material, while setting benchmarks in sustainable design and producing a world-class theatre production. 

The team is completed with set concept by Tony and Olivier award-winner Riccardo Hernandez; set and costume by Watermill Theatre and ex-RSC associate Isobel Nicolson; lighting by acclaimed international designer Anthony Doran, sound design by the renowned and ex-RSC head of sound John Leonard, and movement consultancy by Tony winner Bill Irwin. 

We are thrilled to bring Benjamin Lay back from the grave; however, we need your support to make it a reality. Join us on this journey as we present the life of a man centuries ahead of his time. 

WHY WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

The production is proudly and generously supported by the University of Pittsburgh; but creating a high-quality theatrical production in this landscape, in an off-west end theatre, requires significant financial resources. Due to an unfortunate last-minute rug-pull by a secondary funding source, we need your support to help us realise this production to its full potential.

We are blessed with a world-class creative team of both established and emerging award-winning artists. Committed to their craft, and due to precautionary planning by our producer, we are proud that there have been no cuts to the artistic budget to ensure we create the best possible production. However, many of our team have very willingly taken a pay cut - with our director and producer forgoing the entirety of their fees even after a year of preparation, to ensure we have the cash flow. Your support will enable us to compensate our team properly and propel us to take this project beyond this first run.

WHERE WILL YOUR MONEY GO

• Talent and Creative Team  |  Compensating our talented cast, crew, and creative team who work tirelessly to bring this production to life, in line with industry-standard rates. 

• Marketing and Promotion  |  We are working hard, with great success so far, to spread the word about The Return of Benjamin Lay through various channels, including print and online advertisements, social media campaigns, and community outreach initiatives. We already have an upcoming interview with The Times, a possible BBC feature, and more on the way. We have had to cut some of our marketing budgets with the hope that our PR and some good reviews will keep us above water. However, any additional funding will help us boost our campaign and help us spread the word, not just about the production but about Benjamin Lay. 
• Production Design and Set Construction  |  Building the immersive world of Benjamin Lay, including intricate set pieces and period-appropriate costumes, has been a joyous and creative journey for our team. We are proud not to have reduced our creative budget; however, our current funding situation means very little flexibility and no contingency in our design budget in case of any issues during our process. The higher cost of living crisis since we signed off on our budget has meant much higher transportation and building costs. 

READ MARCUS & NAOMI’S GUEST BLOG ON BROADWAY WORLD

IMPACT OF CONTRIBUTION

By contributing to our campaign, you become an integral part of this transformative project. Your support will:

• Empower Artistic Expression   |  Your contribution allows us to create an unforgettable experience that challenges, inspires, and sparks meaningful conversations about the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. The Quaker community and Little People associations are proud to see their little-known histories presented on stage.
• Support Diversity and Inclusion  |  The Return of Benjamin Lay is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, both in our cast and the story we tell. Your support helps us amplify underrepresented voices and promote inclusiveness within the theatre community. We are targeting these communities with ticket offers and your support will enable us to offer these incentives. 
• Educate and Inform  |  Benjamin Lay's story is an important part of history that deserves wider recognition. Through this production, we aim to educate and inform audiences about his life, the abolitionist movement, and the fight against systemic oppression. Building on the major impact of the research, Lay's legacy has and continues to spur social justice activism. The footage, publications, press, playtexts published by Faber, and international touring will influence current and future audiences.
• Preserving History  |  Benjamin Lay's story is a vital part of our collective history, yet it remains little known. Your support helps us shine a light on this important figure and preserves his legacy for future generations.
• Promoting Social Justice  |  This play serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. By supporting us, you actively contribute to the conversation and help amplify the voices of those fighting against oppression today.
• Inspiring Change  |  Lay's story is a testament to the power of direct action and the impact a committed activist can have on society. Your support empowers us to inspire audiences to take action and create positive change in their own communities.

Benjamin Lay: The Quaker dwarf who fought slavery by Nic Rigby BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-42640782

HOW TO DONATE

Thankfully, Indiegogo makes it a very easy and safe process. All you have to do is to click on "SEE OPTIONS" at the top of the page, and either enter an amount you wish to donate or select one of the many options that come with perks. The system is very secure and no names or details are made public.