In a newly revised and rewritten form, Lynn Redgrave's The Mandrake Root makes its West Coast premiere Jan. 26-Feb. 24, 2002 at San Jose Repertory Theatre with Redgrave in the lead. Warner Shook, who helmed the drama's world premiere at the Long Wharf in 2001, directs.

In The Mandrake Root, Redgrave becomes Rose Randall, the matriarch of a great family, as she observes her own daughter Sally and Sally's teenaged daughter Kate. Around Rose, Redgrave has crafted a story of betrayal, sex and crippling family errors. The character she plays, the actress-playwright admits, is much based on her mother, the British actress Rachel Kempson. The world premiere run at the Long Wharf extended past its original close date to March 18.

One of five generations of actors in the Redgrave family, Redgrave already visited her family on stage with her Tony-nominated one woman show, Shakespeare for My Father. Other theatre work has included the Tony-nominated Mrs. Warren's Profession, Black Comedy, Aren't We All and Moon Over Buffalo. She was recently nominated for an Academy Award for "Gods and Monsters," her second such honor after being tapped for playing the title role in "Georgy Girl."

Other casting and design details are not yet known. The Mandrake Root opens Feb. 1.

Tickets are $20-$44. San Jose Repertory Theatre is located at 101 Paseo de San Antonio between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. For reservations, call (408) 367-7255. San Jose Repertory Theatre is on the web at http://www.sjrep.com. — By Christine Ehren