Plays by women; plays about women. The fairer sex captures the imagination of many D.C. theaters this September, offering works by celebrated female authors and performing plays that focus on female characters. And if that’s not your thing, well, there’s always Kafka.
Two area theaters present works by Caryl Churchill — Studio Theatre performing A Number beginning Sept. 7, and Fountainhead Theatre staging Top Girls, which opens Sept. 8. The former show explores ethical issues behind cloning, while the latter concentrates on the personal sacrifices women must make to achieve success.
Also of the female persuasion, Ford’s Theatre performs Leading Ladies, a Ken Ludwig play starring Gomez himself. The play opens Sept. 23 and follows two swindlers in drag who attempt to cheat a dying woman. Meanwhile, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company showcases the work of playwright Gina Gionfriddo with the reality TV-themed satire After Ashley, opening Sept. 5.
Fans of La Traviata, the Dumas novel, or even Moulin Rouge will find the story of Camille, staged by Roundhouse Theater beginning Sept. 14, just a bit familiar.
Two local theaters will stage works by avant-garde artist Franz Kafka, as Catalyst Theatre does Metamorphosis Sept. 8, and Scena Theatre takes on The Trial Sept. 10.
