LOS ANGELES -- When the Rabbi Lied, a one-woman show written and performed by Hildy Brooks, will have its first extended theatrical engagement in southern California at the Lee Strasberg Creative Center Feb. 12-Mar. 15.

Brooks was inspired to write the show while researching her role as a Hasidic rabbi's wife in the 1981 feature film The Chosen. The play has previously been produced in New York and other major cities.

"It tells the story of Sippy, a woman exploring her spirituality and attempting to bond with the roots of her ancient heritage while encountering the obstacles of patriarchy," said a company spokesperson. "It includes a woman's unusual search for truth and identity touching on conflicts between fathers and daughters, and the healing of damaged relationships."

Brooks wrote, directed and starred in the film Bloomers, which aired on PBS, and directed the feature film Trial By Terror starring Kay Lenz and Martin Landau. Her theatre credits include the Actor's Studio production of Pinter's Old Times and The Substance of Fire at the Mark Taper Forum.

Performances are Thu.-Sat. at 8 PM and Sun. at 3 PM at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd., W. Hollywood. For tickets, priced at $10, call (213) 650-7777. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent