The Black Women Playwrights'' Group will host their 16th Annual Staged Reading, "Common Threads," at the Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street, NW on July 25 and 26 at 7:30 pm. This year's dramatic works cover a variety of themes; from the struggles of a couple living in LeDroit Park during World War II, to the murder mystery that leaves you wondering if the murder really matters. Contributing writers include: Joy Hunter Carroll, Pat Crews, e. cristi cunningham, Louise V. Gray, Joy Jones, Betty Miller Buttram, Donise Stevens and Lois A. Wiley.

The featured plays are new works created by group members during 2004-2005. The amazing excerpts will have audiences laughing, crying and reflecting, as they follow the fine pattern woven by the rich material in "Common Threads." The showcase includes the following pieces:

* Grandma's Christmas by Joy Hunter Carroll

* Picking Up The Pieces by Betty Miller Buttram

* Upbraided by E. Christi Cunningham

* Behind Home Plate by Pat Crews and Lois A. Wiley

* Searching for a Signal by Joy Jones

* Tea Leaves by Louise V. Gray

* S.P.H.B. by Donise Stevens

The Black Women Playwrights'' Group was founded in 1989. Members range from the very young writer to those who have been nationally recognized for the excellence of their work. The purpose of the organization is to support, promote and refine the work of its members. BWPG offers a unique opportunity for members to work as a collective moving each other to higher levels of expression. Each playwright has the benefit of working with a dramaturge to ensure the integrity of their dramatic pieces. There is no hierarchy in the group. Everyone has a voice as the work is critiqued, because it is understood that the responses come from the communal, yet diverse experience of being Black and female in America.

BWPG is supported by the Gwendolyn and Morris Cafritz Foundation, The Dreyfus Foundation, Chevy Chase Bank, The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and The Philip L. Graham Foundation. To find out more about the Black Women Playwrights Group go to www.blackwomenplaywrights.org or call 202.315.1321.

Performance Info:

Common Threads

Studio Theatre 1501 14th Street, NW,

Washington, DC 20005

July 25 & July 26, 2005, 7:30 pm

Tickets are available through Box Office Tickets, 800/494-8497, or at www.boxofficetickets.com

The Black Women Playwrights Group, a member organization of poets and writers.

Visit their web site HERE.