Independence, an earlier play by popular American playwright Lee Blessing, will be mounted in a new production at Actors Circle on June 4. The play has not been produced in Los Angeles in recent years.

Blessing's work tells the story of four women in two generations of a family in Independence, Iowa. Three of them are heterosexual and have had unplanned pregnancies. The fourth, a lesbian, has never been at risk for pregnancy, but has had to deal with other issues regarding acceptance and sex. She's in town in the aftermath of a family crisis, having previously relocated to a big city.

The play was first produced at the Humana Festival in Louisville in 1984."

Albert Dayan directs a cast that includes Kenna Dean, Mary-Margaret Lewis, Daryl Reeves and Kathryn Schwartz. Farrell Hirsch produces.

Through July 11 at Actors Circle Theatre, 7313 Santa Monica Blvd. Call (310) 289- 2999. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent