Sexism, Racism, cronyism, backbiting, misappropriation of funds, intellectual property theft and general ass-covering in the academic world is no news these days, but when the arena is a research lab and the hostage is a cure for cancer, the stakes are considerably higher. The lab supervisor may huff "This isn't personal—it's science," but playwright Davis deftly avoids restricting women's STEM-related problems to hormonal issues (thus affirming society's now-disproportionate obsession with female chastity) to launch a diatribe on administrative politics and the elevation of manipulation over merit as an obstacle to the humane goals professed by those profiting therefrom. Those doubting the accuracy of Davis's portrayal need only note the vocal response forthcoming from audiences at every performance.
