Ines de Castro, the U.S. premiere of John Clifford's multi-media piece,opens at the Connelly Theatre Sept.11. Performances began Sept. 8 for a run through Oct.3. Nathan George directs.

Using a combination of film and theatre, with an original score, Ines tells of a couple struggling to maintain their love for one another through the racial and political war that rages around them. Clifford's translation of de la Barca's Life is a Dream, a production of the Royal Lyceum Theatre, will run Oct. 12-17 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Starring are Susan Matus, Michael Irby, Christopher Gonzalez Denzer, Migdalia Jimenez, Lorree True and Phil Valentine.

A special benefit performance of Ines will be held Sept. 16. Partial proceeds will go to War Child USA, a relief organization that services innocent victims of war.

Tickets are $20 for all performances. For more information, call (212) 465 7233. The Connelly Theatre is located at 220 E. 4th Street between Avenues A and B. -- By Christine Ehren