Photo: Bechdel Fest 7 playwrights (top, l to r) Dolores Diaz, Michael Allen Harris, Robert Koon and Jenni Lamb with (bottom, l to r) Jillian Leff, Grace McLeod, Ryan Oliveira, Hallie Palladino and Michael Turrentine.

Broken Nose Theatre has announced the full line-up for BECHDEL FEST 7: MOMENTUM, the company’s annual festival of new short plays featuring an ensemble of women and non-binary actors talking about things other than men.

Works in the festival are inspired by the famous parity test which first appeared in cartoonist Alison Bechdel “Dykes to Watch Out For” strip. The test asks whether a work of entertainment features at least two women in conversation about something other than a man. This years fest will play four performances, August 25 – 28 as part of the Steppenwolf LookOut Series.

“Political primaries are kicking off on the national stage, the state of Illinois is embracing policies that look toward the future, the Chicago theatre community continues leading the charge to create a better environment for all its artists… and in all of this, we feel a certain sense of momentum, a sense that change is coming and coming fast,” said Artistic Director Elise Marie Davis. “These nine short plays look at this same concept from a variety of angles. After selling out all three performances at last year’s fest, we’re thrilled that the Steppenwolf LookOut Series family is not only welcoming us back into their home but also allowing us to add a fourth performance. We cannot wait to be back at the 1700!”

Full line-up for BECHDEL FEST 7: MOMENTUM (from the press release):

“All I Really Want”
By Jillian Leff | Directed by Becca Holloway

A first-year cadet at West Point decides to share some unexpected news with a military veteran – who also happens to be her mother.

“Distinguished Alumni of the Stanton School”
By Ryan Oliveira | Directed by Alison Dornheggen

The annual fundraising dinner for a prestigious all-girls school hits a major speed-bump when one of their “unsuccessful” alumni starts speaking her mind.

“harderfasterharderfaster”
by Grace McLeod | directed by Madisen Dempsey

Alone in her bedroom, a horny teenager journeys deep into her own personal dreamscape in search of satisfaction.

“Rehearsal”
By Dolores Diaz | Directed by Ben Locke

Five girls on a drum-line consider the terrifying future that awaits them if the current tempo of the nation keeps accelerating.

“Laugh Out Loud”
by Michael Turrentine | Directed by Alejandro Tey

In the unforgiving world of stand-up comedy, two women look behind the jokes to explore what’s really on each other’s mind.

“The Great Whirlpool of the Niagra”
By Robert Koon | Directed by Jen Poulin

A concerned daughter follows her hydrologist mother north of the border in the wake of a family tragedy.

“Planned Sisterhood”
By Michael Allen Harris | Directed by Brittney Brown

In a deep-South state where abortion has just been outlawed, the wife of a prominent politician seeks help from a woman who runs a clandestine health clinic.

“Operation Marshmallow Fluff”
By Hallie Palladino | directed by Benjamin Brownson

A famed clairvoyant, who claims to speak to the dead, is confronted by a group of outspoken women who are not quite “True Believers.”

“Throw Away”
By Jenni Lamb | Directed by Nadya Naumaan

Stationed along the conveyor belt at a recycling sorting center, three employees grapple with questions of idealism, reality, and planning for the future.