Reading of "It Can't Happen Here"

Jaffrey Public Library and the Matchbook Players of Monadnock will join the nationwide night of readings commemorating the 80th anniversary of “It Can’t Happen Here,” the adaptation of Sinclair Lewis’s famous novel.

In 1936, the novel was adapted into a play and theatres across the country opened productions on the same night. To commemorate the 80th anniversary of those productions, regional theatres, universities, and communities across the country will read the new adaptation by Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Artistic Director Tony Taccone and screenwriter Bennett S. Cohen.

Written 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 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.

The nationwide reading of the new adaptation of “It Can’t Happen Here” is made possible by the generous support of Barbara and Rodgin Cohen and Orin Kramer in cooperation with the Sinclair Lewis Estate.