Full Breakdown
Live Read Revives “Secretary” 24 Years After Its Release
7/10/2026, 5:37:46 PM
Event Details
Film Independent and streaming platform Mubi are staging a one-night-only live reading of Steven Shainberg’s 2002 erotic romance “Secretary.” The performance will take place at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on July 28, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Writer-director Jane Schoenbrun (known for *Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma*) will direct the cast, while she reads the action descriptions herself. Gillian Anderson will assume the role of E. Edward Grey (originally played by James Spader) and Hannah Einbinder will portray Lee Holloway (originally Maggie Gyllenhaal). Additional casting has not yet been announced.
Background & Context
*Secretary* has long been regarded as a provocative cult classic, praised for its humanizing depiction of BDSM and the power dynamics between a dominant lawyer and his submissive assistant. The film’s continued cultural relevance prompted Film Independent to include it in its Live Read series, which re-imagines celebrated screenplays through live performance. Schoenbrun’s involvement links the event to her upcoming Mubi feature, *Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma*, slated to premiere on August 7, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Film Independent’s director of programming and events, Rachel Bleemer, emphasized the series’ purpose: “Every Live Read is an opportunity to rediscover a great screenplay through a completely new perspective.” She added that “Secretary is a bold, provocative film that continues to spark conversation more than two decades later. With Jane Schoenbrun directing and Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder leading the cast, this promises to be one of our most unforgettable Live Reads yet.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every Live Read is an opportunity to rediscover a great screenplay through a completely new perspective,” — Rachel Bleemer, Film Independent director of programming and events
- “Secretary is a bold, provocative film that continues to spark conversation more than two decades later.” — Rachel Bleemer
- “Secretary is a bold, provocative film that continues to spark conversation more than two decades later. With Jane Schoenbrun directing and Gillian Anderson and Hannah Einbinder leading the cast, this promises to be one of our most unforgettable Live Reads yet.” — Rachel Bleemer
- “Edward Grey (originated by James Spader) and Hannah Einbinder will play Lee Holloway (Maggie Gyllenhaal), while the director will read action descriptions.” — Jane Schoenbrun, Writer/Director (Twitter)
