Chicago Dramatists will produce the world premiere of David Rush's The Prophet of Bishop Hill at their space on 1105 W. Chicago, March 18-April 25.

Rush's Civil War Drama, Leander Stillwell, was given a Jeff Citation-winning production by Stage Left Theatre and was named by the L.A. Times on its "10 Best of the Year" list. Other plays include: Ellen Universe Joins the Band, Elephants, Dopples & Greys and Your Web-Footed Friends.

Founded in 1979, the Chicago Dramatists' mission is, in their words "to discover, develop, and promote the plays and playwrights that will contribute to the national theatre repertory, and enrich the lives of future audiences." Last year, Chicago Dramatists received a special Jeff Citation for Outstanding Achievement.

Rush's Hill is inspired by the true story of Swedish religious dissidents who founded a communal utopia on the Illinois plains in 1846 - and followed their spin on the American Dream to madness.

For tickets ($10) or more information, call (312) 633-0630. -- By Sean McGrath