HOUSTON: Mildred’s Umbrella Theater Company has announced the fourth installment of its reading series, Femfest Houston, which focuses on new plays by women. This round will feature three new plays inspired by the pandemic and will be streamed free, with donations expected.

“This pandemic has changed how we move through the world,” said artistic director Jennifer Decker in a statement. “Just like anything in history, the hard things inspire art. We thought some of these stories needed to be shared.”

The festival will open with Everybody’s Dead: A Comedy (May 24-June 3), by Brandy N. Carie, about a multi-millionaire CEO of a doomsday prepper subscription box service who is trapped inside a massive bunker she built for herself and her sex robot. Dana Bowman will direct.

Next up will be Sitting and Talking (June 4-13), by Lia Romeo, about two people in their 60s who have never tried online dating before, but who venture into the world of video chatting now that they’re confined to their homes. Leighza Walker will direct.

The festival will conclude with Hitouch (June 14-24), by Amy Gijsbers Van Wijk, about a touch specialist in 2025 who helps people in a world where everyone works remotely supplant the desire for in-person touch with simulated touch. Lyam Gabel will direct.