Hunger is taken to extremes in playwright Dario Fo’s We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay! But don’t go fearing rumbling bellies and malnourished bods. This hunger goes beyond food. It touches on the growing demands of a strong-willed people who must fight for just wages amidst rising poverty and a corrupt “free market.” In 1974, after its premiere in Italy, the production inspired a group of women to steal food from grocery stores by stuffing their clothes. But although the Italian farce takes a hard look at shoplifting, it also faces the challenges of love — something harder to buy or steal. PaperHouse Theatre takes this satirical show to UpStage (formerly Wine Up) in NoDa. Jim Yost directs the protest that stars local actors Robert Lee Simmons, Nicia Carla, Andrea King, Adam Griffin and Farrell Paules.

Anita Overcash

Price: $15-$20