In 2015, The Women’s Voices Theater Festival introduced us to the works of nearly 70 playwrights. Today, the persistent rumors that there would be a second festival were confirmed. The second Women’s Voices Theater Festival will run from January 15 thru February 15, 2018. While the first festival focused on world premieres, the organizers have expanded the criteria to allow for those sometimes even more difficult-to-get-produced second and third productions.
Artistic directors of the seven theatre companies which founded WVTF – Molly Smith (Arena Stage), Paul R. Tetreault (Ford’s Theatre), Ryan Rilette (Round House Theatre), Michael Kahn (Shakespeare Theatre Company), Eric Schaeffer (Signature Theatre), David Muse (Studio Theatre) and Howard Shalwitz (Woolly Mammoth)- issued this joint statement today:
“The 2015 Women’s Voices Theater Festival ignited a much-needed conversation within our theatrical community. The success of the first Festival inspired us to continue this important effort and to broaden how we highlight female playwrights. By presenting world premieres, as well as plays in their second and third productions, we hope this new undertaking will again call attention to the gender disparity on our stages and continue to introduce our audiences to exciting new female voices.”
To date, the festival reports, 28 theatre companies have already committed to producing for the festival. Look for that list to expand once DC area companies work out their 2017-2018 seasons.
Seven of the WVTF, 2018 plays were revealed in today’s press release:
Arena Stage
Sovereignty by Mary Kathryn Nagle
World Premiere
Directed by Molly Smith
January 12-February 18, 2018
Ford’s Theatre
Jefferson’s Garden by Timberlake Wertenbaker
American Premiere
Directed by Nataki Garrett
January 19-February 11, 2018
Round House Theatre
Handbagged by Moira Buffini
American Premiere
Directed by Indhu Rubasingham
January 31-February 25, 2018
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Noura by Heather Raffo
World Premiere
Directed by Joanna Settle
February 6-March 18, 2018
Signature Theatre
4,380 Nights by Annalisa Dias
World Premiere
Directed by Kathleen Akerley
January 16-February 18, 2018
Studio Theatre
The Wolves by Sarah DeLappe
Regional Premiere
Directed by Marti Lyons
Dates TBA
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Familiar by Danai Gurira
Regional Premiere
Directed by Adam Immerwahr
February 5-March 4, 2018
For developing information about participating theaters, artists and tickets visit:
womensvoicestheaterfestival.org
Nan Barnett of Flanagan Theater Projects will again serve as the Festival’s Coordinating Producer, this time with the support of theatreWashington, led by President Amy Austin, the service organization that represents and supports the region’s diverse theater community.
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