C.E.O., a savage look at power games in the late 20th century, recently made its West Coast premiere at the Hudson Avenue Theatre. Stig Larsson's drama was a cause celebre when it debuted at Sweden's Royal Dramatic Theatre, and went on to enjoy a long run.

In C.E.O. we meet John and Anna, a married couple who receive a surprise visit from Steven, the chief executive officer of the corporation where John works. Although alleging to never have met, the two men seem to be more familiar with each other than they're letting on. Soon, however, Steven is offering money to the couple, first to see John dance and then to see and do more with Anna. What starts out as Steven's claim of bridging the gap between their ranks and classes, ignites into a volatile exploration of sexual ambiguity, emotional violence, contradictions and primal instincts that threaten to tear apart John and Anna's life.

Featured in the cast are Michael Greene, Rick Lawless, David Mucha, Ani Sava and Agnete Strand.

The Hudson Avenue Theatre is at 1100 N. Hudson. Call (310) 289-2999 for information.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent