Behind-the-scenes power dynamics of plays and movies are often more theatrical and intriguing than anything that happens in front of a paying audience.  We've had, quintessentially, All About Eve, as well as dozens of movie musicals and - perhaps best of all - David Mamet's 1975 A Life in the Theatre, about two actors - one a seasoned veteran, the other a professional novice. They seem to have a growing friendship based on collaboration and mutual respect. But this is Mamet; other things, like reputation and ambition, soon roil the waters, and Working Class Theater NW will shine a light on it. As part of Spaceworks Tacoma, the theater company will stage the petty skirmishes, eggshell egos and dying nobility on the third floor courtroom of the Old Post Office in downtown Tacoma.

A LIFE IN THE THEATRE, 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, through May 31, Old Post Office, 1102 A St., Tacoma, free admission, workingclasstheaternw.com