It Can't Happen Here

Ω RESIST Ω

We’re planning a one-day, nationwide staged reading of It Can’t Happen Here in the spring of 2026.  An organized, coordinated resistance.  

 

It Can't Happen Here was published during the heyday of fascism in Europe. The novel describes the rise of "Buzz" Windrip, a demagogue who is elected President of the United States, after fomenting fear and promising drastic economic and social reforms while promoting a return to patriotism and "traditional" values. After his election, Windrip takes complete control of the government via self-coup and imposes totalitarian rule with the help of a ruthless paramilitary force, in the manner of European fascists such as Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The novel's plot centers on journalist Doremus Jessup's opposition to the new regime and his subsequent struggle against it as part of a liberal rebellion.The play (adapted by Tony Taccone and Bennett S. Cohen in 2016) provides a timely examination of our current situation through the lens of historical perspective. You’ll recognize all the characters - you’ll chuckle, shake your head, gasp.

 

On October 27th 1936, people in 18 cities across the United States lined up to see the play - simultaneously in productions sponsored by the Federal Theatre Project.  In 2016 and 2020, Berkeley Repertory Theatre replicated that pattern of nationwide, simultaneous rebellion.

 

Next spring, we would like to build on this historical pattern to inspire and invigorate the next generation of theatre artists and political activists who are aching for direction – for something to DO.

 

The (minimum) goal: 50 readings in 50 states on one day.  The dream? Hundreds and hundreds of readings all over the country reaching thousands and thousands of people.

 

Together. Out loud. In a group. For an audience.

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The ask: 

• Think about your wider network, in other states and spread the word. 

• Forward this message to your near and dear ones, talk to your networks (directly please…no social media just yet)

• We’re looking for trusted contacts at colleges, high schools, theater companies, writing groups, knitting groups, book clubs, religious groups, social clubs, and hometown political organizations. 

• Please use discretion, only trusted friends and colleagues at this point.

• Can you host a reading? Want more information? Enter your contact info here: ICHH2026.org

 

The offer:

• We’ll show you how to obtain the performance rights for the play (they’re needed even for a free public reading), the level of production is up to you. If it’s your book club read it out loud, if you’re part of a theater company, stage it!

• Help and support: advice, mentoring

• When we reach a critical mass of commitment we will provide a joint announcement date

• Promotional materials, press release templates

• Whatever you need, we’ll connect you with someone to help you figure it out.

• When you contact us via the website, we will send you a 58-page excerpt of the script to whet your appetite. 

 

If you’ve never done a play before, get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Get ready to change your life.  Get ready to change your world. Because it will. You’ll meet people you’ll love, people you won’t like very much, people you’ll squabble with. People you’ll create with. You’ll have fun.  You’ll probably cry at some point (probably at the closing night party)  and you’ll want to do it again.

 

Our world is so alarming and we’re all so scared. We need community. Let’s make a connection and see what happens next.

 

Will you join us in the Ω Resistance Ω?

 

Hope to hear from you-  The ICHH 2026 project