02/07/2026
Why does it matter if we elect more women?
A century after gaining the vote, the battle for true equality rages on.
In 2025, we marked a complex centennial in Newfoundland and Labrador: 100 years since women achieved the right to vote. Yet, a century later, the political playing field remains stubbornly uneven.
Despite glass-shattering candidacies and historic moments, women are just as unlikely to run for office as they were twenty years ago—often waiting to be asked, while men with identical qualifications declare themselves "very qualified." The political world remains a man’s game.
Inspired by these stark realities, from the defeat of intelligent, experienced women to the high rates at which women exercise their right to vote, IF SHE RUNS tackles the urgent disconnect between potential and participation.
This powerful, immersive new play by Ruth Lawrence, follows two compelling women—Viola, a realistic nurse and public advocate, and Dawn, an optimistic entrepreneur and motivational speaker—as they independently navigate the personal, professional, and systemic hurdles of deciding to run for provincial election.
IF SHE RUNS challenges us to ask what fundamentally must change for the sake of human evolution and survival. It’s a vital, timely exploration of ambition, belonging, and the future of our democracy.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the vote.
Directed by Allison Moira Kelly, IF SHE RUNS features Bridget Wareham as Viola and Nicole Underhay as Dawn, with Evan Mercer, Deepesh Paudel and Kabaso Wamunyima.
Production Design by Diana Daly
Projection Design by Pat Dempsey
Sound Design by Michelle LaCour
Production Management by Baptiste Neis
Stage Management by Gina Hrachy
Produced by Jenn Deon, Ruth Lawrence & Sherry White
Technical Direction by Emily Austin
Wardrobe Technician - Jennifer King
IF SHE RUNS by Ruth Lawrence was commissioned by PerSIStence Theatre with support from the Canada Council for the Arts and it's development was also supported by PARC - Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre.
It is now being co-produced by White Rooster Theatre and PerSIStence Theatre - our province's two feminist theatre companies uniting for the first time.
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Resource Centre For The Arts, the Majestic Theatre St. John's, the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council (ArtsNL) and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for this production.
Scheduled Performances:
Thursday February 12 at 7:30pm
Friday February 13 at 7:30pm
Saturday February 14 at 2:00pm & 7:30pm
Sunday February 15 at 2:00pm
Tickets - Choose Your Price:
$50.50 - Generous
$40.40 - General
$30.30 - Discounted
$5 - Bargain Balcony
Purchase tickets: https://www.showpass.com/if-she-runs-by-ruth-lawrence/
