TIJUANA, MEXICO -- The San Diego Repertory Theatre is a participant in the 1998 Border Festival/Festival de la Frontera which showcases the work of regional artists in music, theatre, dance, literature, visual arts, multimedia and other artistic endeavors.

Organized by the Mexican National Council for Culture and the Arts, the Tijuana Cultural Center, San Diego Rep and other cultural and artistic institutions from both countries, the Festival will take place May 8-17 in Tijuana, San Diego and other cities along the Mexican-American frontier.

San Diego Rep is presenting a Calafia Initiative Creative LAB at Southwestern College, Room 801, May 11 at 7.30 PM. The public is invited to join performers from Teatro del Norte in Tijuana, the Latino Theatre Ensemble, Diversity Works and Around the World in A Single Day for a free workshop forum entitled "New Theatre for the New Californians."

The Calafia Initiative's binational mission is to motivate "unlikely partners to create new performances that speak to the future of the region," said a company spokesperson. For further information call Marlene Shelton at (619) 231-3586 ext 626.

The Rep is also mounting the world premiere of Culture Clash in Bordertown as part of the Festival, even though it is scheduled for May 22-June 28. Based on 100 interviews with residents of San Diego and Tijuana, Bordertown is described by its director, Sam Woodhouse, as being "uproariously funny, startingly insightful and deeply personal."

For tickets and information call (619) 544-1000 or Ticketmaster.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent