Plays by and about women

It feels like the unofficial year of the woman, but the Ivoryton Playhouse was ahead of the game. Its inaugural Women Playwrights Initiative — which aims to develop new, one-act plays by and about women and the issues that shape their lives — was last year, and it’s producing the second annual initiative right now.

After a week of rehearsals with playwrights, directors and actors, the public is invited in for staged readings on Friday and Saturday. After the performances, playwrights, directors and actors will take part in discussions open to theatergoers. On the program for Friday:

“Henry, Louise and Henri” by Kathleen Cahill and directed by Linda MacCluggage; it’s “an hilarious look at the different effects of art on an American couple in Paris.”

“To Fall in Love, Do This” by Jennifer Lane and directed by Hannah Simms; “Scientists claim that there are 36 questions you can ask to fall in love with anyone. But can this seemingly simple exercise save even Wyatt and Merryn’s marriage?” Saturday features:

“Blood” by Yael Haskel and directed by Kathryn Markey; “When a young woman elects to donate blood to a sick pastor and pillar of the community, hellish truths are exposed, forcing a devastating decision for both her and the nurse.”

“The Gentleman’s Pact” by Karen Howes and directed by Addie Gorlin; “A witty, acerbic look at marriage, fidelity, and self-determination when Bill, a college professor, tells his colleague, Arthur, that he wants to marry Arthur’s wife, Evelyn. Can their pact survive Evelyn’s unexpected response?” Women Playwrights Initiative — Passion, Power and Prose 2018, 7 p.m. Fri. and Sat., Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., Ivoryton; for each night: $20 adults, $15 seniors, $10 students and League of Professional Theatre Women members; two-day pass is $30; (860) 767-7318.