“The Fear of 13” has announced that it will hold a special one-night benefit performance on May 14 in support of the Innocence Project. A portion of all proceeds — ten dollars per ticket — will be donated to the nonprofit organization.
After the performance, “The Fear of 13” will host a talkback between stars Adrien Brody and Tessa Thompson, playwright Lindsey Ferrentino, Innocence Project executive director Christina Swarns and client Termaine Hicks, who was freed in 2020 after 19 years of incarceration.
“The Fear of 13” centers on the true story of Nick Yarris, who spent over 20 years in prison after a wrongful conviction. He was released in 2004 after DNA testing — which was urged by Swarns — led to his exoneration.
“The Innocence Project is proud to partner with ‘The Fear of 13,’” said Swarns in a statement. “Nick’s case stands as a powerful example of just how hard it is to free and exonerate an innocent person. We are honored to share the stage with Adrien Brody, Tessa Thompson and Lindsay Ferrentino to bring much needed attention to the very real issue of wrongful convictions and to highlight the Innocence Project’s work to free the innocent and prevent wrongful conviction.”
Founded in 1992, the Innocence Project seeks to exonerate and free the wrongfully convicted, while also advocating for criminal justice reform to prevent wrongful convictions in the future. To date, the organization has helped free or exonerate more than 250 individuals, and contributed to the passage of more than 250 reforms at the state and federal level.
“The Fear of 13” is produced on Broadway by Seaview, Wessex Grove and Gavin Kalin Productions. Multiple criminal justice reform advocates, including Innocence Project founding board member Jason Flom and multi-hyphenate Kim Kardashian, have joined the drama’s producing team since the play began previews in March.
“We are so honored to partner with the Innocence Project in their first endeavor with a Broadway show,” added the producers of “The Fear of 13” in a joint statement. “Storytelling can be at the heart of effecting change and with the help of the Innocence Project, we are proud to host this benefit performance this week.”
“The Fear of 13” officially opened on April 15, and is currently set to run at the James Earl Jones Theatre through July 12.
