The New York Theatre Workshop (NYTW) production of Ronnie Burkett's Street of Blood, which is being presented as part of the Henson International Festival of Puppet Theatre (Sept. 6-24), begins previews Aug. 25. Street of Blood opens Sept. 7 and will run through Oct. 8.

As reported earlier, Ronnie Bukett wrote Street of Blood and will perform the puppet show, which is described as a virtuoso solo performance involving 34 different puppets.

Burkett's story begins with the prick of a needle and a blood stain on a quilt that so resembles the face of Christ that it nearly takes on the meaning of a stigmata. In any case, the stain changes the story's sleepy prairie town forever. As Burkett's characters struggle with several contemporary issues, from bloodlust to religion, celebrity and the AIDS crisis, they discover that the "bonds of blood are thicker and stranger that anyone might have believed."

The Ronnie Burkett Theatre of Marionettes was established in 1986. Burkett's creative team comprises sound design by Cathy Nosaty and lighting design by Bill Williams.

Tickets are $45 with seniors at $28 and students at $15. The NYTW is located at 79 E. 4 Street, between Bowery and Second Avenue.For tickets and information call (212) 460-5475. -- By Murdoch McBride