The Berkshire Theatre Festival will inaugurate its New Unicorn Theatre with the world premiere of Beth Henley's L-Play, on Aug. 21-31.

Henley, best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning play and film, Crimes of the Heart, themes her new dark comedy around the "L's" of Life; Loneliness, Loser, etc. are at the core of vignettes, scenes and monologues addressing randomness and futility. The play requires few props and minimal scenery, giving focus to the actors and their talent.

A public reading of L-Play premiered two evenings this past February as a benefit for Los Angeles' MET Theatre. The reading starred James Gammon, Ed Harris, Holly Hunter, Amy Madigan, Bill Pullman and Alfre Woodard. According to the press agent for the MET, the play really took shape during a few prior readings, with those actors and other major stars, at Henley's Los Angeles home.

Eric Hill, an accomplished director of regional theatre and professor at University of Connecticut, will direct a cast of fresh, undiscovered talent in L-Play.

The New Unicorn Theatre is located on Rt. 7 in Stockbridge, MA. For tickets and more information, call (413) 298-5536. Tickets are $15.