Wasatch Theatre Company to Stage WHAT WE'RE UP AGAINST

Wasatch Theatre Company (WTC) continues 20th Anniversary Season with a Theresa Rebeck drama about sexism in the workplace, "What We're Up Against." Performances run Friday-Sunday, April 26 -May 12 in the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center Black Box Theatre. Tickets to What We're Up Against are available at arttix.artsaltlake.org.

"We chose What We're Up Against because the issues of workplace safety and discrimination pervade our current climate," said Jim Martin, WTC artistic director. "We want to give voice to the struggles that women face while trying to be seen and heard as equals in the workplace. We believe theatre can be a great vehicle for moving current conversations forward, and we hope that What We're Up Against can accomplish this."

What We're Up Against is a relatable black comedy about gender politics in the workplace.

At the center of the story is a woman, newly hired at an architecture firm, who faces extreme sexism that keeps her from doing her job. Struggling to establish a foothold at the firm, she takes actions that upend the social and workplace status quo.

Director Natalia Noble said, "So much of the toxic dynamic displayed in this show is seen in workplaces throughout the nation. These men and women should be respected colleagues, not professional enemies. The distrust, resentment, and even the utter contempt is shocking to watch. At the root of it all, the poison pumping into the corporate veins, is toxic masculinity: the privilege, the sense of entitlement, and fear of emasculation by a powerful woman. Until we suck that poison out, What We're Up Against will remain relevant."

The central character, Eliza, is portrayed by up-and-coming film and theater actress Mary Neville. Some of her recent projects include Lenora in "Utahoma" and Alice Avenue in "DracMan vs. SuperiorMan" at the Off Broadway Theatre, and Christine Schoenwalder in "Picnic" at The Grand Theatre. Film credits include Jayda in the 2018 "Not Cinderella's Type."

Rounding out the cast is Levi Brown, Mike Brown, Stacey Jenson, and Daniel McLeod.

Performance details:

"What We're Up Against" by Theresa Rebeck

Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, Leona Wagner Black Box Theatre

April 26 -May 12, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.

Tickets: arttix.artssaltlake.org, 801-355-ARTS; $20.00

There is a special fund-raising performance on Thursday, April 26 at 8:00 p.m. to benefit 801 Creative Women, a group of Utah women in arts that advocate, support, and collaborate with each other. You can find out more about this organization at 801creativewomen.com. Tickets for $30.00 for this performance.

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