The invitation-only concert reading of scenes from plays by great women playwrights of the past -- Zoe Akins, Jane Bowles, Mary Chase, Alice Childress, Rachel Crothers, Angelina W. Grimke, Lillian Hellman, Georgia Douglas Johnson, Maurine Dallas Watkins and Edith Wharton – will "demonstrate the relevance of their vision for the present and the future," according to press notes.

The reading will be performed by Kathleen Chalfant, Maryann Plunkett and Tamara Tunie; Joan Vail Thorne directs. Stage directions will be read by playwright/actor Jessica Dickey, and continuity will be read by playwright/actor Tracy Thorne.

Introductory remarks will be given by playwright Tina Howe.

History Matters/Back Back to the Future "promotes the study and production of women’s plays of the past in high schools, colleges and universities, and theaters throughout the country and encourages responses to those plays from contemporary playwrights."

The Helen Mills Theatre is located at 139 West 26th Street (between 7th and 6th Avenues). For more information visit historymattersbacktothefuture.com.