Sweat

By Lynn Nottage; Directed by Jerrell L. Henderson; Feb 21—28, 2026

It’s the year 2000 in Reading, Pennsylvania, and a group of friends go to work at the steel mill and decompress at the bar, as they’ve been doing for over 20 years. But unbeknownst to them, their lives are about to be uprooted. These middle-class, unionized steelworkers have made plans to save money, go on vacations, and retire with healthy pensions. When rumors start flying that the company is considering layoffs, and flyers are posted to recruit non-union Latino workers for less pay, the war between community and capitalism begins. Tensions start destroying not only jobs but also relationships. This poignant play delves into the issues of today: the economy, immigration, race relations, and politics.

Playwright Lynn Nottage has written one of her most exquisitely devastating tragedies to date. Based on Nottage’s extensive research and interviews with real residents of Reading, SWEAT won the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

ACCESSIBILITY: For accessibility, accommodations, and special requests, please contact Neal McCollam.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: CTA Blue Line to UIC-Halsted. There are 3 exits from this platform. Take the far west exit with the long ramp (towards Morgan Street). There are also CTA buses (#7 and #60) that stop directly in front of our building.

PARKING: Harrison Street Parking Structure HSPS

1100 West Harrison Street Visitor and Card Access

For information on parking visit: https://parking.uic.edu/facilities-and-maps/#west-side-parking-garages-and-lots