Dates have been announced for an international tour of Monsters of Grace 1.0, the new collaboration of theatre pioneers Robert Wilson and Philip Glass.

Utilizing advanced digital technology developed by the creators of the film Jurassic Park, Monsters of Grace unfolds in three dimensional computer generated images projected onto a large screen. The film is directed by Diana Walczak and Jeff Kleiser, who has pioneered the creation of computer-generated characters called "Synthespians." Wilson co-conceived the show with Glass.

Version 1.0 of Monsters of Grace will highlight selected sterescopic scenes as well as the full-length score performed live by Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Emsemble with vocal soloists. The libretto for Monsters of Grace is based on the 13th century mystic poetry of Jalaluddin Rumi. Following the April 15, launch of Monsters of Grace 1.0 in Los Angeles, additional versions of the production will be released in:

London (May 19-23)
Washington, D.C. (Sept. 9)
Palermo (Oct. 6-11)
Rome (Oct. 13-18)
Munich (Oct. 20-November 1)
Amsterdam (Nov. 11-14)
New York (Dec. 9-20)
Chapel Hill, NC (Jan. 29-30, 1999)
Columbus (Feb. 10)
Madison, WI (Feb. 12)
Minneapolis (Feb. 13)
Iowa City (Feb. 15)
Lincoln, NB (Feb.18)
Kalamazoo. MI (Feb. 20-21)
Lawrence, KS (Feb.23)
Liberty (Feb. 27)
Urbana, IL (March 2)
Austin (March 16)
Houston (March 18-21)
Ft. Worth (March 22)
Lubbock, TV (March 23)
Tucson, AZ (March 25)
Tempe, AZ (March 27)
Sacramento, CA (April 11)
Berkeley, CA (April 13-17)
Ann Arbor, MI (April 22)
Toronto (April 24-25)

Although renowned for his theatre pieces, Wilson has made previous ventures into film, including his 1985 film Stations and his early '70s BYRDWOMAN. Wilson's production of Wagner's Lohengrin (still running at The Metropolitan Opera), caused a sensation when audience members booed and jeered Wilson at the opening night curtain call.

Besides his collaborations with Wilson, Glass has an extensive theatre background -- including being a founding member of the avant-garde troupe, Mabou Mines. Glass' film score for Martin Scorcese's Kundun was nominated for an 1998 Oscar Award.

"The work we are making is shaping itself by the magic of chance," said Glass. "We made Einstein this way, talking through ideas, hitting on the visual and musical themes and letting our instincts run with the wind."

Commissioned by the UCLA Center for the Performing Arts, Monsters of Grace will run through Apr. 30 at Royce Hall, which was built in 1929 and is renowned for its Romanesque architecture and stately towers, fashioned after a bulding in Italy. The structure, which houses classrooms, offices and the 1,828-seat auditorium, was refurbished in 1984.

The earthquake damage necessitated a complete seismic renovation, completed over a four-year period. Technical improvements include updated acoustics and stage machinery and a new lighting system to enhance the ornamental detail of the original coffered ceiling.

Tickets for the Los Angeles release cost $35, with 3-D glasses provided at the door, call (310) 825-2101.

-- By Sean McGrath