The New Jewish Theatre will continue its 21st season with the play “The How and the Why” by Sarah Treem, from Jan. 24 to Feb. 11. The play, which features two female evolutionary biologists working in a heavily male-dominated field, explores science, feminism and generational rivalry. 

The two women, one a respected professor who is at the top of her field, the other a young graduate student with her own radical theories, are each visionaries who take a contrarian approach in a discipline dominated by male-skewed thinking. They meet on the eve of a prestigious scientific conference where the student wrestles for the truth with her professor, the established leader in the field.

The play looks at many areas of struggle for women, especially in the field of scientific research: the fierce competition among scientists for recognition of their discoveries; the struggles in the academic world for prestigious positions and grant funding: and female attitudes about sex, relationships, men, motherhood and families.

Nancy Bell directs the production which features actors Amy Loui and Sophia Brown. 

The play is presented in the Jewish Community Center’s Wool Studio Theatre, 2 Millstone Campus Drive. Tickets are $36 for the preview performance and $39 to $44 for all other performances. Tickets are available at newjewishtheatre.org or 314-442-3283. Season tickets and FLEX Passes are also available.