IF SHE RUNS - by Ruth Lawrence

Playing February 12-15, 2026 at the LSPU Hall, St. John's, NL

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.
The creation, development, and production of IF SHE RUNS has been generously supported by the following:

Performances & Tickets

​Scheduled Performances:
  • Thursday February 12 at 7:30pm
  • Friday February 13 at 7:30pm with LIVE STREAM and a post-show discussion with Ruth Lawrence, MHA Sarah Stoodley and Dr. Deatra Walsh
  • Saturday February 14 at 2:00pm
  • Saturday February 14 at 7:30pm - Galentine's Two-For-One!
  • ​Sunday February 15 at 2:00pm
​
Tickets - Choose Your Price:

Cast & Crew

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
Backstage - Yusi Cai

IF SHE RUNS was commissioned by PerSIStence Theatre and is being produced as a co-production between PerSIStence and White Rooster Theatre.