(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA – November 3, 2023)—It is the year 2000 in Reading, Pennsylvania, and a group of friends who work at a steel mill decompress after their shifts at the local bar like they have been doing for 20 years. Unbeknownst to them, their lives are about to be seriously uprooted. 

That’s the premise of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Sweat” by playwright Lynn Nottage, directed by Sarah Stryker, which Delaware County Community College brings to the stage at the College’s Marple Campus (910 South Media Line Road, Media, PA 19063) Nov. 15-18 at 7 p.m. in the Large Auditorium, Academic Building.   

A nuanced and powerful drama that reminds audiences of the stacked deck still facing workers searching for the American Dream, “Sweat”—which was awarded the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama—examines the de-industrial revolution through the lens of history but also delves into issues of today, including the economy, immigration, race-relations in America, and politics. The production contains mature language and themes and is intended for mature audiences. 

The student cast features Katie Higgins, Chelsea Lombard, Kevin Lara, Will Myer, Ikessah Zarwee, Tah’mir Lamb, Uriah Jones, Eton Tyler and Javier Villagomez. Playwright Nottage is the first—and remains the only—woman to have twice won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Delaware County Community College’s Drama Department is committed to providing a comprehensive theatre education to its students and to bringing the results to the community through vibrant, thought-provoking productions. 

Tickets are $15 general admission, and $10 for students (valid school ID required). For tickets, visit dccc.edu/theatre.

The College’s Theatre Arts certificate program offers students sufficient training to be able to join the professional work force without obtaining a bachelor’s degree. Students obtain a wide range of knowledge and skills through the certificate program increasing their chances of working in the theatre in some capacity, whether it be in acting, stage management, or technical theatre. The practicum requirement also gives them practical experience working on an actual production. Students who wish to pursue an Associate in Arts or Bachelor in Arts degree may still choose the Communication Arts/Theatre Option associate degree program.