Rough Theatre's latest production, Eric Diamond's political comedy Media Whores, recently opened at L.A.'s newest performance space and art gallery, Gallery SevenZeroSix, for a run through Aug. 26. Diamond also directs.

Media Whores tells the story of Junior, the not-too-bright son of a former president who, by dint of connections, campaign cash and spin, is elevated to standard bearer of his party and future leader of the free world.

"With the national election looming on our horizon and the future of the economy, the Supreme Court and many divisive social issues being decided for the next generation," Diamond said in a statement, "my play attempts to provoke an apathetic electorate into proactive action."

Rough Theatre takes its name and mission from these words by Peter Brook in "The Empty Space: "The Rough Theatre deals with men's actions, and because it is down to earth and direct-- because it admits wickedness and laughter--the rough and ready seems better than the hollowly holy."

Gallery Sevenzerosix is located at 706 N. Heliotrope Dr. in Hollywood. For tickets and information call (323) 851-2268. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent