A whirlpool of doubts and questions are brought to the stage in Woody Allen'sGod by sixteen actors who question the existence of the Creator.

God opens Jan. 16 at The Bank of Brazil Cultural Center Theatre I in Rio de Janeiro. The play is produced by actress Cristina Ache and directed by Mauro Mendonca Filho.

Producer Cristina Ache bought the copyright of the comedy two years ago. As Allen´s highly personal works are often humorous depictions of neurotic characters preoccupied with love and death, the Brazilian actress/producer invited Mauro Mendonca Filho to direct the play because of his vast experience with comedies. He is currently directing Submarine, the hit comedy by Miguel Falabela in Sao Paulo.

According to the director, the issues raised by Woody Allen in God are extremely radical. Filho put a surrealist spin on the text, evoking a desperate tone for the production.

Leading the cast are TV and Theatre stars Murilo Benicio, who plays a Greek theatre actor in Athens 500 B.C., and Amir Haddad as his hilarious director. Performances from Wednesday to Sunday at 7:30 PM. Tickets cost R$10,00. Information call 021 216 0237 at BBCC Theatre I in Rio de Janeiro.

-- By Nertutila Achao

Brazil Correspondent