By: Tally Daniels
In a time when conversations about creative ownership and female leadership are increasingly important, La Femme Theatre Productions is amplifying voices that don’t just speak, but make an impact.
Beginning August 3 at The Pershing Square Signature Center, La Femme launches its inaugural Women in Agency Festival, a two-week celebration of new plays exploring the various aspects of “agency”—from the governmental to the personal, the structural to the soulful. The performances are free and open to the public, with tickets available via Eventbrite.
Conceived by La Femme’s Executive Director Jean Lichty, the festival emerged from a desire to explore the complexity of ambition, power, and identity through a distinctly female perspective. “I was compelled to explore why women with ambition are sometimes not always affirmed or given space to thrive,” said Lichty, reflecting on the questions that inspired the festival’s creation. What began as a simple idea grew into a fully realized theatrical event that invites audiences to witness agency in all its variety and nuance.
At its heart, the Women in Agency Festival is a celebration of choice, voice, and empowerment. Each play responds to a curatorial prompt to explore agency—not only in formal or institutional settings, but as a deeply personal right: to act, decide, and lead. The result is a diverse slate of work that touches on topics such as bureaucracy, gender dynamics, and personal growth. From Buy Nothing, Remember Everything by Jenny Lyn Bader to Deja Déjà Vu by Tess Inderbitzin, the lineup reflects a broad range of perspectives—and reminds us that a woman’s agency is as unique as her story.
Lichty expresses gratitude when speaking about Bader’s participation. “Having a writer of Jenny Lyn Bader’s talent involved is truly an honor,” she said. “Jenny is a significant voice in American theatre—sharp, insightful, and willing to engage with complex questions. Her play in this festival not only addresses the themes at the heart of the festival, but it also offers a glimpse into what meaningful, impactful storytelling can look like.” Bader, recipient of Theater Masters’ 2025 Visionary Playwright Award, brings a career that spans decades and includes Off-Broadway premieres, acclaimed audio dramas, and essays in The New York Times.
Lichty’s curatorial approach goes beyond content—it’s deeply collaborative. The festival connects emerging playwrights with experienced professionals and celebrates female-identifying artists in all roles: stage managers, directors, designers, and more. “Theater is one of the most collaborative art forms,” Lichty noted. “And it comes to life through the collective talents of every contributor. Our stage managers and creatives are not simply behind the scenes—they are central to the scene.”
This philosophy also inspired The Corner Nest Lab, a new program within the festival that highlights college-aged playwrights under the mentorship of established artists. The idea emerged from a Barnard College mentee whose senior play moved Lichty deeply. “She transformed a personal experience into something so beautiful,” Lichty shared. “I realized La Femme could—and should—make room for more stories like hers.”
The festival also introduces Women on the Verge, a recognition program honoring women who contribute significantly to the industry—often behind the scenes. Whether directing, managing, or producing, these leaders represent the quiet but essential power of collaboration and the importance of making sure a diverse voices are included at every table.
Accessibility remains central to La Femme’s mission. By offering the entire festival for free, the company is working to break down barriers to participation and invite audiences from all backgrounds to join the conversation. “We want these stories to reach as far and wide as possible,” Lichty said. “The goal is to amplify and celebrate the female voice—and that begins with ensuring everyone has the chance to hear it.”
Looking ahead, Lichty hopes the Women in Agency Festival will continue to evolve into an annual tradition—both a showcase and a platform for future talent. “Theater has the ability to reflect who we are and who we might become,” she said. “And when women are at the heart of that reflection, something truly meaningful can happen.”
One story. One stage. One act of agency at a time.
The Women in Agency Festival
August 3–17, 2025
The Linney Theatre at The Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W 42nd Street
FREE and open to the public. Reserve tickets via Eventbrite
For more information, visit LaFemmeTheatreProductions.org.
Disclaimer: The article is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent political endorsements or any specific stance on political matters. The Women in Agency Festival is an artistic and cultural celebration aimed at empowering voices through theater and creative expression.
