It Can’t Happen Here: A Radio Play
Presented in Partnership with Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Tuesday, October 13 | 8 p.m. EST
Watch
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13 all 4 episodes including an introduction and live talkback can be found at: http://bit.ly/ICHHplaylist
Videos will remain available on demand through November 8.
Synopsis
Join theREP, in partnership with Berkeley Rep, in a new radio play of Sinclair Lewis’ IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE starring Oscar nominee David Strathairn.
Written in 1935 during the rise of fascism in Europe, Lewis’ darkly satirical IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States by stoking fearful narratives and promising wide-ranging reforms. In 2016, Berkeley Rep unveiled a new stage adaptation of Lewis’ prescient novel — one week after that production ended, the presidential election ruffled the nation. Now, Berkeley Rep reprises that production with the same director and much of the original cast, but this time as a radio play in four episodes, just in time for the 2020 presidential election. The intent for the project is to encourage dialogue and motivate citizens to exercise their civic power and vote.
The production debuts on Tuesday, October 13 at 5pm PT/6pm MT/7pm CT/8pm ET via YouTube.
A live Q&A session with the creative team will take place following the broadcast at 10:15 p.m. EST on Tuesday, October 13. The production will be available on demand through November 8.
React and Connect
Interact with theatre fans across America as Roundabout Theatre Company hosts two National Community Conversations via Zoom on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. EST and 5 p.m. EST to discuss the play and your response.
Supplementary Material
- It Can’t Happen Here Radio Play Program
- A History of It Can’t Happen Here
- An Interview with the co-writers and director of It Can’t Happen Here
- Study Guide for It Can’t Happen Here
