CATF Publishes Collection of PLAYS BY WOMEN

The nationally and internationally admired Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) at Shepherd University celebrates the publication of Plays by Women of the Contemporary American Theater Festival. Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, a CATF partner, will host a release party on Thursday, February 28th from 7-9pm. Guests are able to reserve their copy of the anthology by contacting Four Seasons. This event is free and open to the public.

During the event, guests will have the opportunity to speak with and have their books autographed by CATF's artistic leaders and anthology editors, Ed Herendeen and Peggy McKowen. Published by London-based Methuen Drama Bloomsbury Academic, this necessary volume of women playwrights' work, ranges from a two-time Obie Award-winning author to emerging writers. The playwrights represent a group of diverse women who vary in age, race, and sexual orientation. This collection invites artistic leaders, scholars, and students to embrace gritty, thought-provoking, and relevant new plays.

Ed Herendeen, CATF's Founder and Producing Director expresses his excitement and passion for the anthology. "These plays were born, nurtured, and premiered in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. We have curated a contemporary collection of plays that demonstrates our passion for works that challenge, inspire, and entertain." Herendeen concludes by applauding "these brave woman playwrights and their bold stories. It is an exhilarating rush to hold this book in my hands."

With an introduction written by Pulitzer Prize winning Lynn Nottage, Plays by Women of the Contemporary American Theater Festival includes: Gidion's Knot by Johnna Adams; The Niceties by Eleanor Burgess; Memoirs of a Forgotten Man by D.W. Gregory; Dead and Breathing by Chisa Hutchinson; and 20th Century Blues by Susan Miller. The collection also includes interviews researched and conducted by creative director and writer, Sharon J. Anderson. These playwright interviews contextualize the plays within the wider context of the festival.

To reserve a copy of the anthology, contact Four Seasons Books via email at 4seasons114@gmail.com or 304-876-3486. Plays by Women of the Contemporary American Theater Festival may also be ordered on Amazon.

West Virginia Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. INTO THE WOODS (Appalachian Community Theatre)

31.5% of votes

2. THE WIZARD OF OZ (Old Opera House Theatre Co)

20% of votes

3. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (The Actors Guild of Parkersburg)

16.6% of votes

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