Han Ong's play Middle Finger will have its world premiere at the Blue Heron Arts Center on Sept. 8. The show opens Sept. 14 and runs through Oct. 1. It is presented by the Ma-Yi Theater company.

The play looks at growing up in today's negotiable moral climate. Middle Finger is loosely inspired by Franz Wedekind's Spring Awakening . It follows the lives of two teenage Filipino-American boys, Jacob Rodriguez and Benjamin Lunga. Each tries to reach self-realization through their experiences at a rigidly structured Catholic boys' school.

Playwright Han Ong is the first Filipino American recipient of the MacArthur Foundation "genius" Award. His Swoony Planet was also produced by the Ma-Yi.

Loy Arcenas serves as the director and scenic designer. He directed Flipzoids for the Ma-Yi Company in 1996, and designed sets for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Once On This Island and High Society, among others. The creative staff includes James Vermeulen (Lighting Design), Fabian Obispo (Music/Sound Design), and Gino Gonzales (Costume Design).

All tickets are $19. The Blue Heron Arts Center is located at 123 East 24 Street, between Park and Lexington. For information, call (212) 581-8896. -- Daniel Fischer