It is a play that has roused much controversy yet has seen productions all over Europe, South America and even the United States. Now it has finally reached New York. Ending its run at the Off-Broadway Currican Theatre Nov. 18 is Bernard Marie Koltes' Roberto Zucco. The Empire Theatre Company's production began performances Oct. 13 and opened Oct. 21.

First presented in Berlin, Germany in 1990, the play was presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in London in 1997. It is that translation, by Martin Crimp, that director Daniel Safer uses in this production about a man who commits brutal murders and rapes. Douglas Warner provides an original musical score.

The cast features Peter Bisgaier, Emmitt George, Wendy Allegant, Laura Avery, Justin Barrett, Jessman Evans, John McCausland, Cecil Mackinnon, Kevin Mambo, Fred Tietz, and Raina Von Waldenburg. Ruth Ponstaphone takes on scenic, costume and make-up design while Jay Ryan handles lighting.

The Empire Theatre Company was founded in 1993 at the University of Southern California. After several years of productions, they decided to relocate to NYC where they have produced the stage adaptation of Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and most recently Common Things About 16 Dicks from Philadelphia.

Tickets to Roberto Zucco at the Currican, 154 West 29th St., call (212) 539 3899. To visit the Empire Theatre Company's website, visit www.empiretheatreco.com. — by Ernio Hernandez