IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE—AGAIN
ROLLING READINGS IN DEFENSE OF DEMOCRACY
An Homage to Sinclair Lewis & A Nationwide Summons
Presented by
WRITERS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION
& Our Partners Across America
In 1936, It Can’t Happen Here, a stage adaptation by Sinclair Lewis of his own bestselling novel, opened simultaneously in 21 theaters in 17 states across America on October 27th, one week before that year’s presidential election - a warning against the rise of fascism in America. It Can’t Happen Here – Again, by Writers for Democratic Action, both honors the 1936 production and issues a call to action now, in 2024.
On this past July 19th, It Can’t Happen Here – Again! played at 91 locations in 71 cities and towns in 24 states, before thousands of voters. Let’s do it again!
Please join us with your own production of WDA’s simple, easily mounted adaptation of the Sinclair Lewis play ahead of this coming Election Day, a campaign that will culminate in a nationwide festival of late October ICHH-A readings to mark the 88th anniversary of the original theatrical phenomenon — and to rally voters to the polls.
WRITERS RESIST!
VOTERS VOTE!
The Invitation
“IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE — AGAIN”
WDA HONORS SINCLAIR LEWIS
WITH A 2024 CALL TO ACTION: IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE - AGAIN!
A Reading An Homage A Nationwide Gathering A Call to Action
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Download THE INVITATION here.
Download the PRESS RELEASE for Organizers to individualize for your event.
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The Script
(Revised August 7, 2024)
Translated by Sujaila Miranda
Please join us! Present your own version of our easily mounted five-reader script on your own schedule, but also on or around October 27, 2024.
To the Organizers
To the Readers
Highlights
91 readings in 24 states!
71 cities & towns!
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91 readings in 24 states! 71 cities & towns! ~
In the News. . .
A New Plot for America
The 1936 play ‘It Can’t Happen Here’ is adapted for our times. . .
By Renée Loth
The Boston Globe
June 14, 2024
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It Could Happen Here: New performances of a 1936 play seek to raise the alarm before November’s election.
By Eleanor J. Bader
THE PROGRESSIVE MAGAZINE
July 2, 2024
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Milwaukee theaters staging productions in response to Republican National Convention here.
By Jim Higgins
MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL
July 9, 2024
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A Warning Against Fascism Returns to the Stage: It Can’t Happen Here – Again, adapted from Sinclair Lewis.
By Jacob Smollen
THE PROVINCETOWN INDEPENDENT
July 10, 2024
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A Democratic Moment: Renewed interest in Sinclair Lewis’ 1935 dystopian novel sparks a Santa Cruz reading.
By Steve Kettmann
GOOD TIMES
July 17, 2024
Featured Reading. . .
THE LAMBS CLUB
It Can’t Happen Here – Again was given a staged reading in the heart of Broadway at The Lambs Club on July 19. The Lambs is America’s oldest theatrical club, founded in 1874.
The show was cast with five notable actors: Jennifer Bassey (Emmy Award, 2024 Indie Series Award), Timothy Jerome (Tony Award nominee; Grand Hotel, Phantom), Dave Rappaport (attorney/actor), Joanna Rush (writer/actress; No Malarkey 2024, A Chorus Line.), and Walter Willison (Tony Award nominee, Theatre World Award, Grand Hotel, Pippin).
The Lambs Club is an especially significant venue because Sinclair Lewis himself was a member. The Lambs will present ICHH-A once more on October 27.
