Edwin C. Owens recently announced he would bow out of his role in the Guthrie Theatre Lab's Molly Sweeney, after an attack from an unknown assailant Saturday night, Sept. 5. According to the Associated Press, Owens was walking alone to his apartment when an unidentified man attacked him from behind. Owens fell, hitting his head on a rock, which caused a five-inch gash on his forehead. He was then beaten more.

Actor Jarlath Conroy has taken over Owens' part in the show, which began previews in Minnesota Sept. 11 and opens Sept. 16 for a run through Oct. 2..

Based on an Oliver Sacks' case study, the title character in Sweeney is an independent, gregarious woman who has been blind since early childhood. Now at age 40, comfortable with her blindness, she faces the possibility of regaining her sight. Even as Molly, her enthusiastic husband Frank, and the formerly renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Rice, pin their hopes on the surgery1s success, they become aware of the possible risks and disappointments that could result. Through a series of monologues, Molly, Frank, and Dr. Rice each tell their story, seemingly oblivious to the presence of the others.

After Molly Sweeney, directed by artistic director Joe Dowling, the Guthrie Lab season continues with Gross Indecency by Moises Kaufmann (Nov 18-Dec 6) and Aristophanes' Lysistrata (March 17 April 4, 1999)

. Molly Sweeney at The Guthrie Lab runs Sept. 16-Oct. 4. For reservations call (612) 377 2224. -- By Sean McGrath