Denver's Germinal Stage will present actor-playwright Wallace Shawn's controversial play, Aunt Dan and Lemon, Nov. 13-Dec. 13.

Shawn's Aunt Dan and Lemon was one of the most discussed plays of the 1985-86 New York season. Essentially a memory play, the drama has a sickly young girl, Lemon, listening to the stories of a long-time family friend, Aunt Dan. Dan worships strength in individuals and places the importance of having the ability to overcome obstacles over conventional moral judgement. Dan extols the virtues of Henry Kissinger and a prostitute who murders one of her clients.

Lemon learns her lesson well, almost too well, when Dan becomes terminally ill. Lemon abandons her, for she can no longer follow through with her passions. The play ends with the death of Dan and an older Lemon extolling the virtues of the Nazis and the effectiveness of their genocide.

Though a playwright for many years (The Hotel Play, Marie and Bruce, The Fever ), Shawn is perhaps better known for his screen presences in such movies as "The Princess Bride," and "Clueless." He many collaborations with director Andre Gregory include the cult art house film "My Dinner with Andre," Uncle Vanya -- with the film adaptation "Vanya on 42nd Street," and the upcoming production of Ibsen's Master Builder. Shawn's latest project was the film version of his hit-London play, The Designated Mourner.

Aunt Dan and Lemon plays at Denver's Germinal Stage, Nov. 13-Dec. 13. For tickets ($11.75-$13.75) or more information, call (303) 455 7108. -- By Sean McGrath