Washington D.C., 1950.

The United States is gripped by fear of the Soviet Union and the spread of Communism. Sensing opportunity, Joseph McCarthy, an overlooked, underhanded Senator emerges to lead America’s charge against ‘Reds under the bed.’

Enter Senator Margaret Chase Smith. First woman to serve in both houses of Congress. First to be nominated to run for the presidency. First to call McCarthy’s witch-hunts for exactly what they were.

In Tony award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro's 'Conscience', Chase Smith goes toe-to-toe with McCarthy in the fight of her political life, leaving a potent reminder of the power of speaking truth, even when your voice shakes, even when it seems the world's gone mad.

"A timely boxing match of a history play.... CONSCIENCE portrays (Margaret Chase) Smith.... as a dry witted hero with the rare courage to take on a lying bully who is sowing chaos, ruining reputations and threatening the very fabric of the nation" - The New York Times

"....DiPietro avoids cheap political shots, focusing instead on the intense interpersonal dynamics (Margaret Chase) Smith is a powerful, complex character and ... McCarthy slowly unravels before your eyes" - Front Row Center