The evening of four Samuel Beckett one-act plays will officially open Dec. 18 (delayed from the previously announced Dec. 16) at the downtown Manhattan company's home. The run is slated to conclude Jan. 20, 2008.

The new staging of the four classic works — Act Without Words I, Act Without Words II, Eh Joe and Rough for Theatre I — features the collaboration of director Akalaitis and composer Philip Glass.

Joining Baryshnikov in the cast are Bill Camp (The Misanthrope), Karen Kandel and David Neumann — the latter appeared in a workshop of the one-acts this past spring.

"JoAnne Akalaitis and Philip Glass were two of the founding members of the inimitable theatre collective Mabou Mines, which was partly established in response to the founders' deep regard for the writing of Samuel Beckett," said NYTW artistic director James Nicola in a statement. "Audiences have long awaited the next Beckett production from Akalaitis and Glass, and their collaboration with dance luminary Mikhail Baryshnikov and internationally renowned sculptor Alexander Brodsky on Beckett Shorts is a historic event that New York Theatre Workshop is proud and honored to be a part of."

Sculptor Brodsky — who makes his debut as a set designer with Beckett Shorts — is joined in the creative team by Kaye Voyce (costumes), Jennifer Tipton (lighting) and Mirit Tal (video). Glass provides original music. Anthony Cerrato serves as production stage manager. AfterWords, post-performance discussions, for Beckett Shorts will take place following the Dec. 11 show with the design team, Dec. 18 with director JoAnne Akalaitis and Jan. 2 with the cast.

Tickets for Beckett Shorts at NYTW, 79 East 4th Street (between Second Ave. and Bowery), are available by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information visit the website at www.nytw.org.