A free public reading & conversation
WOMEN+ ON THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY
Four Houston theatre companies come together for an evening of short plays and monologues by women+ playwrights, exploring democracy in America and the questions facing our country.
What does democracy look like from where we stand?
Explore the national project →WOMEN+ ON THE EDGE OF DEMOCRACY is a nationwide theatre initiative started by the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. Thirty-six acclaimed women+ playwrights were commissioned to create short plays and monologues reflecting on the state of democracy in America.
On October 30, artists from four Houston theatre companies will gather at 4th Wall to share selections from this collection, followed by a conversation with the audience.
The complete anthology is scheduled for publication by Theatre Communications Group on November 3, 2026.
Four companies.
One shared conversation.
This free public reading brings together artists from four Houston theatre companies:
4th Wall Theatre Company
Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company
Dirt Dogs Theatre Co.
The Ensemble Theatre
The conversation continues after the readings.
Following the performances, join us for a discussion led by Tracie Jae. The 4th Wall reading will also feature Artistic Director Jennifer Dean.