Speak Truth to Power: Voices From Beyond the Dark

May 03, 2010 · The Public Theater

Directed by: David Esbjornso · Literature: Ariel Dorfman

"Speak Truth to Power: Voices From Beyond the Dark" is a play by Ariel Dorfman adapted from Kerry Kennedy's book. It's a play for ten actors - Eight of these, four male, four female, represent the human rights defenders. The other two represent evangelists of evil, malicious and sarcastic embodiments of fear and repression first and then, as the play advances, of the indifference which is the perpetual opposite of love. The play chronicles the true-story accounts of heroic people withstanding horrific human rights abuses across the globe. Voices from around the world cry out against violence and oppression - from world leaders like Desmond Tutu to the unknown activists working on the ground level.

Cast & Characters

Marcia Gay Harden, Meryl Streep, Elias Koteas, Stanley Tucci, Viggo Mortensen, Alfred Molina, Paul Sorvino, Julianne Moore, Gloria Reuben, Debra Winger

Production Notes

Speak Truth to Power is a powerful and moving testimony of the will of the human spirit to rise up against injustice, even in the face of incredible darkness. On May 03, 2010, The Public Theater presented a one-night reading of Ariel Dorfman’s “Speak Truth to Power: Voices From Beyond the Dark”. The reading was presented by Dorfman, Kerry Kennedy, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, and The Public. The star-studded cast included Marcia Gay Harden, Elias Koteas, Alfred Molina, Julianne Moore, Viggo Mortensen, Aidan Quinn, Gloria Reuben, Meryl Streep, Stanley Tucci, and Debra Winger. Proceeds from the reading will benefit the relief efforts of Habitat for Humanity in Chile. All ticket holders were invited to an exclusive post-show reception featuring the cast and creative team.

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