Swedish Tales of Woe, the Erik Ehn play cycle based on traditional folk tales and a hit for Dallas' Undermain Theatre, opens its return run in New York City Dec. 15 at the Ohio Theatre. Swedish Tales of Woe, directed by Bruce DuBose, came to New York in its first incarnation, Gold Into Mud, which took its bows at New York City's HERE as a part of American Living Room 2000.

Swedish Tales of Woe filters elements of fairy tales through Ehn's language acrobatics. Among the characters inhabiting this world are a giant who compulsively spins gold into mud and straw; talking, conniving animals; a Gypsy Prince who must die in order to win the hand of the woman he loves; trolls, and the Sun and Moon. All are represented through actors in mask, puppets, dance and animation. Ehn is the author of Wolf at the Door, Beginner, Erotic Curtsies, Chokecherry and Red Plays.

The company features Cameron Cobb, Nick Brisco, Newton Pittman, Mariana Celander and Julie Plummentaz.

The collaborative design team includes choreographer Jose Figueroa, Robert McVay, Valerie Moore, Katherine Owens, Robert Winn and Happy Yancey.

Performances of Swedish Tales of Woe began Dec. 13 for a run through Dec. 23. Tickets are $12. The Ohio Theatre is located at 66 Wooster Street. For reservations, call (212) 924-0077. The Undermain Theatre is on the web at http://www.undermain.com. -- By Christine Ehren