Presented by Vortex Theatre (Albuquerque, New Mexico), August 14-30, 2026 THEY MUST BE WOMEN NOW takes its title from a line by Sophocles’ Creon. Charleen (alias Sweet Tea), like her ancient precursor Antigone, has a big mouth that gets her into trouble—specifically, fired from her job in Atlanta where she feels demeaned by men. Unemployment sends her home to Half Way, Georgia and to her mother, the feisty owner of Miss Althea’s Bridal Boutique and Bail Bonds; Althea’s black business partner, Olivia; and imperious Lurleen and her daughter Betsy, customers preparing for an upcoming wedding. It seems that everyone is coping with diverse prisons (social, cultural, economic, political, marital, racial) forged by their individual journeys. And it is their task to discover themselves—and become women now.