Written in 1935 during the rise of fascism in Europe, Lewis’ satirical It Can’t Happen Here follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States by promising to return the country to greatness. Witnessing the new president’s authoritarian tyranny from the sidelines is a liberal, middle-class newspaper editor from Vermont who is caught in the chaos of social upheaval.
Berkeley Rep’s Michael Leibert Artistic Director Tony Taccone and screenwriter Bennett S. Cohen are adapting this eerily prescient novel — called “a message to thinking Americans” upon its publication — just in time for the election season. Lisa Peterson, a two-time Obie Award winner and Berkeley Rep’s recently named associate director, takes the helm as director.
Written in 1935 during the rise of fascism in Europe, Lewis’ satirical It Can’t Happen Here follows the ascent of a demagogue who becomes president of the United States by promising to return the country to greatness. Witnessing the new president’s authoritarian tyranny from the sidelines is a liberal, middle-class newspaper editor from Vermont who is caught in the chaos of social upheaval.
Berkeley Rep’s Michael Leibert Artistic Director Tony Taccone and screenwriter Bennett S. Cohen are adapting this eerily prescient novel — called “a message to thinking Americans” upon its publication — just in time for the election season. Lisa Peterson, a two-time Obie Award winner and Berkeley Rep’s recently named associate director, takes the helm as director.
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