Recommended by Stephanie Alison Walker

This play is so important and resonated profoundly with me as a woman. The brilliant structure keeps the audience on the edge of their seat and fully present in each moment. The crisp and real dialogue is so refreshing. Most importantly to me- this play gets at the truth about sexual assault and the experience of being a woman in the world- the fear, the societal conditioning that our bodies are not our own. It does it in a gripping and visceral manner that begs a radical and transformative discussion about consent.

Somebody please produce this play. It couldn't be more timely and imaginative and inherently theatrical. It's about Monica Lewinsky specifically, but her story reverberates today so strongly. Tuft has crafted a visually compelling and highly entertaining piece that holds us all to account for the horrific public shaming of Monica Lewinsky... and all women. It has us examine how easy it is for our society to scapegoat women. It's a fascinating piece.

I was lucky to get to see the Chalk Rep production of Death and Cockroaches and it did everything I hope for when going to the theater-- it entertained me (tremendously,) moved me and had me reflecting on my own relationships long after I left the theater. The script is so relatable and courageous. Speaking from someone who has written autobiographically, it's not an easy thing to do at all yet Eric makes it look completely easy. This is one fierce and courageous play that connects with the deepest part of humanity.

Eppler's profound Primary User is a unique exploration of grief and loss and what happens next. The chatbot premise is a brilliant, haunting and highly theatrical device that serves to ask deep and difficult questions. How do you let go of someone when you can conjure their voice, their persona, their memories, their essence as easy as saying their name? It's chilling. It's heartbreaking. It's so satisfying. There are so many levels here I haven't even begun to unpack. Just read it. Produce it.

Cold Spring is an incredibly emotionally truthful play about not only the fall out of a sexual assault, but about what it is to be a parent and a partner at the darkest moments. It's as much about the breaking apart as the piecing back together. I was riveted by the journey these characters take throughout the piece. The dialogue is so sharp and honest. It's a play about how we go on when there is no roadmap and it is extremely moving.

I had the extreme pleasure of getting to see this incredibly imaginative play about a woman history hasn't properly recognized brought to life in a reading at the Ashland New Plays Festival. Mr. August brings you on a beautiful journey with his richly-drawn characters and wonderful story. This play entertained, surprised, educated and moved me deeply. It's so much fun and evocative. I can't say enough wonderful things. The roles for women are fantastic.

This play is a complete joy. It's feminist AF, so funny and so smartly crafted. The characters and the concept are a delight and I appreciate how Brandli grounds everything in the shared experience of being a woman in the world. It's grounded in truth and pain which is why it's so satisfying. Killer roles too. If I were an actor, I'd get in on this. Oh- and Brandli's mission to reclaim the Greek myths is brilliant.

This play has all the ingredients-- strong and fully realized characters (each so clearly defined,) a mother/daughter/granddaughter relationship that crackles with so much humanity, lyrical storytelling that flows easily between the past and present, humor (so much humor) that comes from the characters' and the circumstances and many surprises. I felt completely taken care of with Lisa's deft writing. She explores loss, family secrets, emotional inheritance, mental illness, love & forgiveness with skill, poignancy and charm. I loved these women and their stories.

I saw the very first reading of this play in 2016 and I'm still thinking about it. Someone please produce this play already. The House of the Negro Insane is haunting and powerful with artful and theatrical storytelling. Because this is a Terence Anthony play, the characters are deliciously complex and richly realized. I honestly can't believed it hasn't been snatched up yet. What are you waiting for?! This is a story that needs to be told.

Complex and lovable characters, humor grounded in truth, a full and tactile world... this play has all of that and Hiett's signature wit. Again, Hiett tackles weighty subjects such as grief and addiction with a deft and surprising hand. It was a joy to read from beginning to end. I just love her characters and these two old broads are wonderful roles for older female actors to play.