The series explores the work of several award-winning female playwrights whose plays are based on or derive inspiration from classical dramatic text. The weekly series features an excerpted reading of a playwright's work, selections from the classic text on which it is based, and discussions on the politics and creative responsibilities of contemporary adaptation.

"Shape Shifting" kicked off Oct. 30 with Caridad Svich and Karen Hartman exploring the work Perdita, which was inspired by Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale.

Upcoming offerings include playwright Chiori Miyagawa on Nov. 6 at 7 PM, who will discuss her Chekhov-inspired work Leaving Eden with Morgan Jenness. On Nov. 13 at 7 PM, Penelope playwright Ellen McLaughlin and Current Nobody playwright Melissa James Gibson will discuss their works — both inspired by Homer's "Odyssey" — with Ripe Time artistic director Rachel Dickstein.

The discussion series comes as Ripe Time prepares for its 2008 presentation of Antigone, adapted by artistic director Rachel Dickstein and Leaving Eden playwright Chiori Miyagawa.

"Shape Shifting" is free and open to the public and will take place at New Dramatists, located at 424 West 44th Street in Manhattan. For reservations call (212) 757-6960.