The Weight of Forgiveness
A Benefit Evening of Theater & More
A new play by Leon Ford · Directed by Mark Clayton Southers
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 · August Wilson Center, Pittsburgh
VIP Early Entry 6:00 PM · Curtain 7:00 PM
About the Play
The Weight of Forgiveness is a raw, unflinching two-person drama that puts accountability, forgiveness, and truth on trial. When Leon sits down with the officer who changed his life forever, what unfolds is not reconciliation, it’s a battle over identity, responsibility, and who gets to define what really happened. In a world quick to label heroes and villains, this play asks: what happens when both refuse to stay in their roles?
Written by Leon Ford · Directed by Mark Clayton Southers · Presented by The Hear Foundation
What Your Ticket Supports
This is a fundraiser. Proceeds power two of The Hear Foundation’s signature initiatives:
The Community Safety Innovation Fund
In its 2026 pilot year, the Fund puts $10,000 directly into the hands of grassroots leaders — three in every police-community zone — to launch projects that build safety, healing, and trust in their own neighborhoods. Beyond the funding, THF connects these leaders into a citywide network with mentorship, training, and the support to sustain their work.
Bridging the Badge
A full-scale public safety Career & Technical Education (CTE) pipeline embedded in Pittsburgh Public Schools and housed at Westinghouse High School, serving students bused in from across the district. Not an after-school program — an integrated career pathway preparing the next generation for careers in public safety.
Tickets
General Admission · $100
Reserved seating for the 7:00 PM performance.
VIP · $150
Everything in General Admission, plus early entry and exclusive VIP perks to be revealed.
Choose your tickets above. Can’t attend? You can still give.
