Advisory: What We’re Up Against is recommended for mature audiences and features adult language. Parental guidance is suggested.

Performance added: Saturday, January 20 at 3:00 PM

Set in a highly competitive architecture firm, this play is an explosive and hilarious look at the complicated battle of the sexes raging across Cubicle Land. A funny, yet insightful, view of what it means to be female in a male-dominated career and one woman’s response when she tires of slamming into the glass ceiling.

By Theresa Rebeck

Directed by Heather J. Strickland

Important note: The production will now be performed at William Peace University.

Based on recent developments related to the renovations of the Gaddy-Goodwin Theatre, we’re moving What We’re Up Against. The biggest factor impacting the delay in reopening the Gaddy-Goodwin is the need to install additional structural support in the space. The new location for What We’re Up Against is the Leggett Theatre at William Peace University (MAP). While this isn’t what we’d originally planned, we’re excited about doing this show at Peace. It’s a new partnership for RLT and it’s a beautiful, intimate space to perform in.

Jan 12: Post-Show Panel Discussion

Following the opening night performance, a panel of architects will discuss their reactions to the play, gender equity within architecture, and some things we can all consider when it comes to supporting each other in the workplace. This panel will be moderated by Erin Sterling Lewis from in situ studio. The panel will include:

• Lou Jurkowski, FAIA, founding partner of BJAC Architecture (sold to EYP in 2012) and Chair of the Board for Leadership North Carolina.
• Megan Bowles, AIA, Associate Principal at LS3P.
• Matthew Griffith, AIA, co-founder of in situ studio, Assistant Professor of the Practice at the NCSU College of Design.

Moderator, Erin Sterling Lewis, AIA, is the co-founder of in situ studio, founder of ACTIVATE NC, and Professor of the Practice at NCSU College of Design. She is also the current president of the AIA of North Carolina.

Jan 14 Post-Show Forum

Join us on the first Sunday of What We’re Up Against (January 14) for an interactive conversation. This discussion model is designed for personal reflection and exploration of the themes and tensions in each play. Audience members can engage in conversation with the actors in character following the performance to enhance the theatre-going experience.

Jan 20: Post-Show Panel Discussion (Rescheduled From Jan 18)

We will present a post-show discussion speaking about young women and STEM.  This panel will be moderated by Adrienne Kelly-Lumpkin. The panel will include:

• Lisa M.K. Jones, CEO of Girl Scouts-North Carolina Coastal Pines
• Kristen Hess, Principal & CEO of HH Architecture

The moderator for this panel is Adrienne Kelly-Lumpkin, RLT Board of Directors.

Jan 25: Post-Show Discussion

We will present the final post-show discussion about thoughts on the show and how it connects to the current climate featuring:

• Theresa Joan Rosenberg, AIA, JD, Attorney & Architect
• Jennifer Wagner, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP | Lead Planning & Design Project Manager at Stewart Inc.

Podcasts

Episode 1: In the first of our 3 podcasts in support of What We’re Up Against, Patrick speaks with director Heather J. Strickland about her initial reactions to the show and her plans for rehearsal. Patrick and Heather also interview Dr. Sharon Cannon, an expert in gender and workplace communications about her insight into the script.

Episode 2: In our second podcast, Heather J. Strickland and Patrick Torres interview Clare Counihan, a Program Coordinator at the Carolina Women’s Center, and get her wisdom and insight on the way sexism and harassment manifest in workplaces.

Episode 3: In this podcast, Patrick Torres and Heather J. Strickland interview Senator Jay Chaudhuri to get his take on the play, learn what women are up against in North Carolina, and advice on how to stay politically engaged in policy that matters to us.