HOUSTON: Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company (MUTC) has announced its 2016–17 season, which will feature a world premiere.

“We are thrilled with the productions we have in store for next season, all of which continue to reinforce our mission of bringing female-focused theatrical excellence to the city of Houston,” said artistic director Jennifer Decker in a statement. “I’m especially pleased that we can present a collection of works from such a diverse group of playwrights. From an up-and-coming college graduate with a hit play to a producing artistic director committed to creating theater for social change, each of them has a unique voice and an important story to tell.”

The season will begin with The Maids (July 28–Aug. 13), by Jean Genet, about two housemaids who plot the murder of their employer. Jon Harvey will direct.

Next up will be Ruby Rae Spiegel’s Dry Land (Oct. 20–Nov. 5), a story about abortion, friendship, and resiliency that takes place in a high school girls’ locker room. Julia Traber will direct.

Following will be The Johns (Jan. 19–Feb. 4, 2017), by Mary Bonnett, about the men who buy girls for sex and the real cost of human trafficking. Decker will direct.

Next will be the world premiere of A Heroine Free Summer (March 30–April 15, 2017), by Janet Lowery, about a family that becomes divided when two teenage sons confess to drug use.

Also part of the season will be the short play festival called Museum of Dysfunction IX (June 15–24, 2017), by various high school and college playwrights. The festival will showcase the top 20 submissions, and the plays will be performed by the professional actors of MUTC.

Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company, founded in 2001, produces innovate new plays with a focus on works by and for women.