On March 18, playwright David Hare makes his Broadway acting debut at the Booth Theatre in a one-man play written by himself about, well, himself.

Via Dolorosa or "Way of Sadness," which premiered at London's Royal Court Theater in September 1998, will open on Broadway March 18, for a limited run through June 13.

In 1997, after many invitations, 50-year-old playwright Hare decided to pay a three-week visit to the state of Israel, then celebrating its own 50th birthday. Deeply touched by the experience, he began a memoir which became Via Dolorosa. The play offers a meditation on the time spent in both Israel and Palestine, which leaves the author questioning his own values in the context of the powerful beliefs of those he met.

Hare's many plays include the recent Broadway sensation, The Blue Room starring Nicole Kidman; last season's The Judas Kiss, and the Broadway-bound Amy's View. Other works include Plenty, The Secret Rapture, The Absence of War, and The Changing Room. The London run of Via Dolorosa marked Hare's professional acting debut.

With the Broadway openings of Via Dolorosa and the upcoming Amy's View, (beginning previews April 3, opening April 15) at the Barrymore, Hare will have had three plays open on Broadway in the same (1998-99) season. Even more remarkable, counting last season's Judas Kiss, four in the period of twelve months. Stephen Daldry, who directed the London premiere of Via Dolorosa, has traveled `cross the pond to helm the Broadway run as well. The former Royal Court artistic director left the theatre last year to pursue a career in film, but since Daldry accompanied Hare on his trip to Israel, he seemed a natural choice. Other West End productions for Daldry include An Inspector Calls, Search and Destroy, The Kitchen, and The Editing Process.

For tickets and information on Via Dolorosa, a Lincoln Center production, at the Booth Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Sean McGrath