Edward Bond's controversial drama Saved, which was reviled and even prosecuted in its 1965 London premiere, will be remounted by Evidence Room on Jan. 13, starring Christian Leffler and Ames Ingham. The production originally opened at ER in October to wide acclaim. Bart DeLorenzo, ER's artistic director, returns to helm the production, which also features Pamela Gordon, Leo Marks, Nick Offerman, Colleen Wainright, Don Oscar Smith, Mark Salamon, Adrian A. Cruz and Matt Williamson.

Saved is a raw contemporary love story set amid family hostilities and urban violence. In a slum neighborhood in South London, a young woman picks up a young man for casual sex and takes him to her parents' house. What emerges in their relationship and what happens to their lives has shocked audiences, divided critics and influenced a whole generation of theatre since the play's debut.

First presented without a license at London's Royal Court Theatre, critically denigrated, and subsequently prosecuted, the play was rescued by the testimony of Laurence Olivier, who defended the production as "compulsory viewing for every adult in this country." Revived in London in a 1985 staging by Trainspotting director Danny Boyle and featuring Gary Oldman, the play at last received the unqualified respect denied its scandalous premiere.

Saved is also being revived Off-Broadway later this season at the Theatre for a New Audience under the direction of Robert Woodruff. This will mark the first New York production in 30 years, the first since Alan Schneider's much-lauded presentation featuring the Obie-winning break-out performance by James Woods.

Through Feb. 4 at the Evidence Room, 2220 Beverly Blvd. For tickets and information call (213) 381-7118. — By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent