IF SHE RUNS, by Ruth Lawrence

Why does it matter if we elect more women? A century after gaining the vote, the battle for true equality rages on.

In 2025, Newfoundland and Labrador marked a complex centennial: 100 years since women won 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 follows two compelling women—Viola, a realist nurse and public advocate, and Dawn, an optimist 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.

Written by Ruth Lawrence

Directed by Allison Moira Kelly*

Featuring:
Bridget Wareham* as Viola
Nicole Underhay* as Dawn
with
Evan Mercer*
Deepesh Paudel
Kabaso Wamunyima

The participation of these Artists is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy (DOT).

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 was commissioned by PerSIStence Theatre, with creation assistance from the Canada Council for the Arts, and further development assistance from PARC - the Playwrights Atlantic Resource Centre. It is now being produced as a co-production between PerSIStence and White Rooster Theatre with support from Arts NL and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Friday February 13th performance will feature a post-show talk-back with Dr. Deatra Walsh, MHA Sarah Stoodley and Ruth Lawrence.