Dear Ones:
Rachel DeWoskin and Writers for Democratic Action have written a one-act play echoing Sinclair Lewis’ 1936 exhortation against fascism, “It Can’t Happen Here.” It’s called “It Can’t Happen Here—Again!” (see below)
We’re mobilizing little DYI productions to be performed everywhere on July 19, including in prison. It’s both fun and important.
Please join this little insurgent community-in-the-making.
THXXX
Bill
“IT CAN’T HAPPEN HERE—AGAIN!”
An InvitationTo Stand Against
The Forces Determined to Destroy Democracy
WRITERS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION
A Play!
An Homage!
A Nationwide Gathering!
A Call to Action!
Join us on July 19, 2024
DIY!
In the 1930s, fascism was sweeping through Europe and Asia, and in 1936 it was America’s turn. The New Deal was generating savage push back. Would he be re-elected? Would American democracy survive?
On October 27, 1936, one week before the election, those
questions were raised by a coast-to-coast production of a play that premiered simultaneously on 21 stages in 17 states.
“It Can’t Happen Here” by Sinclair Lewis was seen that night by thousands of people who heard its warning of a coming dictatorship, “when parade grounds become encampments.”
On July 18, 2024, at the Republican National Convention in
Milwaukee, Donald Trump will accept his party’s third consecutive nomination to be their candidate for President of the United States.
The next day, on July 19, Writers for Democratic Action will issue a call to action with a newly written one-act stage presentation, “It Can’tHappen Here—Again!”
Our play dramatizes the stakes of the 2024 election by reminding us of the threats of 1936. We warmly invite you
to join us. “It Can’t Happen Here—Again!” can be performed in theaters, but also in book stores, schools, libraries, bars, sites of worship, parks, living rooms, and any other space where people are still free to gather.
“It Can’t Happen Here—Again!” will sound the alarm loud and clear, providing folks with a concrete way to respond (in person and online) to the catastrophe we’re facing.
On that one night in July, legions of citizens and residents from all across the nation can come together to say “Yes to Democracy!”
Voting is a burning issue this year, and this event will fan those flames.
Please join us! Help us create national solidarity against the rise of American fascism by presenting your own version of our easily mounted five-player script on Friday July 19, 2024. Do it in your local bookstore or place of worship or community center or school or town square or backyard. Do it wherever you can gather folks together to entertain, move, and motivate. Do it to help create the Beloved Community that we need and want
to live in!
Contact us here, and we will give you what you need:
WDApresentsICHH@gmail.com
For more information: http://www.writersfordemocraticaction.org/ICHH
Bill Ayers 