Contemporary poet and writer Charles Bukowski, known for his gritty realism and rawness, returns to the theatre with South of No North, running at 29th Street Rep, Feb. 24-March 26. Nine stories from that collection have been adapted and directed by Leo Farley and Jonathan Powers for the stage. Characterized by Bukowski's creation Henry Chinaski, South of No North follows the adventures of a man down and out, but still determined. Bukowski's Chinaski works also include two of his classic novels, "Post Office" and "Women." His screenplay "Barfly" was made into a 1988 movie starring Faye Dunaway and Mickey Rourke and that process, in turn, became a novel, "Hollywood." He died in California March 9, 1994, after completing his final novel, "Pulp."
Stephen Payne, recently star of the film "Hell's Kitchen" with Angelina Jolie, stars as Bukowski. Tim Corcoran, Elizabeth Elkins, Paula Ewin, Thomas Wehrle and Charles Willey are also in the cast.
Designing South of No North are Mark Symzak (sets), Stewart Wagner (lighting) and Gerard Drazba (sound).
Tickets are $15. 29th Street Rep is located at 212 West 29th Street. Tickets are available by calling (212) 465-0575, or consult the web at http://www.29thstreetrep.com.
-- By Christine Ehren