Vortex Theater premieres ‘They Must Be Women Now’ for 50th anniversary season

By Sara Atencio-Gonzales, The Paper. – The Vortex Theatre is preparing to raise the curtain on the world premiere of They Must Be Women Now, a new play by Nedra Pezold Roberts that explores family, identity and the forces that shape women’s lives across generations. 

The production, directed by RayRey Griego, opens Aug. 14 as part of the American Association of Community Theatre’s 2026 NewPlayFest, a national festival celebrating new works. As one of only a handful of productions selected for the festival, the play places Albuquerque on a national stage for developing new American theater.

For the Vortex, the production is especially meaningful as the theater celebrates its 50th anniversary season.

“It’s really exciting,” says Leslee Richards, the liaison between the Vortex and the American Association of Community Theatre. “To be part of something like this, especially in our 50th anniversary season, is very special. It really speaks to the reputation that the Vortex has built over 50 years, even across the country.”

Inspired by Antigone, They Must Be Women Now examines the lives of women navigating family expectations, grief, identity and the search for personal freedom. The production also serves as a fitting lead-in to the Vortex’s fall production of Antigone.

Griego explains that the play’s exploration of race and relationships drew him to the project.

“My focus is political theater as well as cultural theater, and I do new plays,” says Griego. “What drew me was the weight of racism.” Griego emphasizes the story examines interracial relationships in the South and reflects conversations that continue today.

“Theater is entertainment, but also makes us think,” says Griego. “That’s what I love about theater is giving voices to those that need voices.”

Directing a world premiere also offers opportunities that established plays do not. Instead of working from a finished script that cannot change, Griego explains that collaborating directly with the playwright allows room to explore new ideas. “When I’m doing a new play, there’s room for discussion,” says Griego.

Richards believes audiences should embrace the rare opportunity to witness a play’s first production.

“Every play, from the Greeks to Shakespeare to Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams all had a premiere,” says Richards. “To see the world through a different playwright’s eyes, and to hear brand new words is really exciting.” Richards adds that theater “opens your eyes in so many ways,” while allowing audiences to explore new ideas together in a shared space.

Beyond the world premiere, the Vortex is also presenting a festival of new works by New Mexico playwrights during the run of They Must Be Women Now, including short plays and one-act productions. Richards said the additional performances showcase the theater’s ongoing commitment to developing new voices.

“We have a theater of this caliber in their community that has been here for 50 years and continues to work extremely hard to create the best theatrical experience they can have,” says Richards.

They Must Be Women Now runs Aug. 14 through Aug. 30 at the Vortex Theatre. A Pay What You Will performance and talkback with the playwright, director and cast will be held Aug. 16.