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.
Sponsorship
Interested in supporting The Weight of Forgiveness? Review our sponsorship opportunities in the deck below.
