The 26th annual Vivian Robinson Audelco Recognition Awards, which honor African-Americans in the theatre, will be held Nov. 16, at 8 PM, at Aaron Davis Hall at New York's City College. This year's presentation will specifically honor playwrights. The "Pioneer Award" will be given to dramatists Amiri Baraka, Ed Bullins and Melvin Van Peebles -- all three, important figures in the black theatre movement of the '60s.

Baraka is best known for his seminal drama Dutchman. He also penned Sidnee Poets Heroic and A Recent Killing. Bullins has authored dozens of plays, including The Electronic Nigger, Daddy, The Corner and The Gentleman Caller. Van Peebles' most famous work is Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death. He also wrote Champeen! and directed the seminal blaxploitation film, "Sweet Sweetback's Badasssss {sic] Song."

The Pioneer Awards will be presented by playwright Ishmael Reed.

Entertainment at the event will include performances from the musicals Dinah Was, Rolling on the TOBA and Satan Never Sleeps. Among the awards presenters are Mary Wilson of the Supremes and playwright Laurence Holder. George C. Wolfe is honorary chairman of the awards committee.

For information, call (212) 368-6906, (212) 650-7148, or (212) 307 7171. -- By Robert Simonson