Recommended by Steven G. Martin

A deft, dark exploration of personal power struggles and one-upmanship.

Haas has created a play of sisterly contrasts, beautiful imagery, and beliefs of the ultimate reward set at a time when people are at their most emotionally fragile. Haas explores the differences between the sisters, but she generously allows them to come to an understanding and connection rather than placing them in the muck of sibling rivalry. "Of Butterflies and Roses" is gentle, beautiful and humane.

Matthew Weaver satirically tweaks several subjects in "A New Play by Matthew Weaver" including himself, popular culture, technological innovations, the U.S. government as of 2018, theatre, historical experts and academics.

Photograph 51 is a standout not only because of its content -- sharing the story of Rosalind Franklin's work to unravel the mysteries of DNA -- but also because of its style and structure. Through the use of chorus, direct address/soliloquy/internal monologue, overlapping action, and even freezing time, Ziegler shows us a life of opportunities -- some seized, some missed -- and the joys and regrets stemming from them. The audience can see the science at work, yes, but more importantly they also see and understand the scientists.

Audiences will root for invertebrates in this funny, theatrical and surprisingly touching gem of a short play.

What do we do after we realize the existence of powerful, mysterious forces that can destroy us on a whim? Weaver suggests we question our value, take solace in the beauty of what's known, and continue to live our lives.

Lying just underneath the pop culture references and the literally ass-kicking actions of our heroine Valerie - and there are many examples of both! - is the harshness, stupidity and cruelty that she has faced. As a true heroine, however, she doesn't back down and instead is ready to fight for herself and, as she offers guidance to an unseen character, others. "Valerie: A Cosplay Monologue" offers a rich character for actors, one filled with an adventurous spirit, rage, fierce self-esteem, joy, and wisdom learned at far too young an age.

"A Poison Squad of Whispering Women" weaves together revenge, hospitality, small-mindedness, religion, civic pride, women's rights, profiteering from lies, and agency. The five women's roles are multi-dimensional as these characters are both heroic and terribly flawed.

"To Tread Among Serpents" is a highly theatrical play that showcases fierce female characters who are battling for notoriety, survival and piece of the action. It also tells a tale that seems a straightforward murder mystery/court case but subtly shifts into the realm of media distortion and the justice system.

I saw "The Show Must NOT Go On!" during the Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette 10-minute play festival. The audience was literally howling with laughter at this farce. Swordplay, a battle of the sexes, Shakespearean mashups and more made this an audience favorite.