A romantic comedy play inspired by the 2019 change regarding the mass of the kilogram? I was intrigued, and admittedly rather skeptical, when I walked into Theatre Raleigh’s world premiere production of The Weight of Everything We Know. 

Written by Allan Maule and directed by Michael Berry, The Weight of Everything We Know tells the story of the real May 2019 decision to base a kilogram’s mass on mathematical precision instead of physical weight. Not only does this change upend the scientific world as we know it, but interrupts what promised to be a very successful Bumble date between astrophysicist Lucia (Shubhangi Kuchibhotla) and writer Darrow (Jeff Ronan). 

As logical, research-loving Lucia grapples with the change to the kilogram, she is also faced with the pending threat of deportation back to Canada. Seeing her desperation, Darrow volunteers to help her with her case, offering up his literary prowess and storytelling expertise to craft a convincing argument in favor of her staying in the United States to finish her research. 

Together, Kuchibhotla and Ronan proved my skepticism to be unfounded. Thanks to Maule’s snappy book full of quick comebacks, clever one liners, and modern pop culture references, Kuchibhotla and Ronan spin a true rom-com style play while actually making me care about the kilogram. While I make no promises regarding the accuracy of the facts stated in this production (although, according to Maule, he did confer with his wife, a professor of mechanical engineering), this laugh-out-loud play is winningly charming and endearingly hopeful. 

Kuchibhotla brings a raw, genuine authenticity to her performance, striking a fine balance between charmingly alluring flirtation and a deep passion for her work. In an emotional speech about being a female scientist of Iranian descent during a particularly tumultuous time in American politics, Kuchibhotla eloquently weaves this fictitious story with the real life fears of so many as Lucia’s livelihood and life’s work are on the line.  

In comparison, Ronan is adorably charming. Darrow’s witty comebacks and passion for the written word flawlessly blend to create a character full of hope and integrity. When combined with Lucia’s logical, scientific side, the chemistry between the two is utterly precious as they learn to share each other’s passions in a performance that is both light on its feet and deeply real.

Performed in the TR Studio Theatre, the staging in this production is simple but effective. With a minimal set and intimate performance space (designed by Sonya Leigh Drum), Kuchibhotla and Ronan are able to speak to the audience directly and move the production along with the power of convincing storytelling and a little bit of audience imagination. 

The Weight of Everything We Know was originally developed at the North Carolina Playwrights Lab in 2022, a professional program for developing new works by North Carolina playwrights. The production runs through Sunday, June 11, 2023. Tickets can be purchased here. Be advised that the production contains themes and language that may not be suitable for young children and runs 80 minutes with no intermission.

Feature photo credit to Jennifer Robertson