Steppenwolf Theatre Company is presenting two of four new works, resulting from its fourth annual New Plays Lab. The lab invites four accomplished playwrights to pick a work and then, through lab readings, develop it. The authors are given a peer director and a group of local actors. The first two readings are closed, with the final open to the public.

After the third and final reading, Steppenwolf has the option to produce the work, or release it for production by another company. Previous lab participants that have had their works produced by Steppenwolf include Daniel Rubin (The Viewing Room,) Carrie Loft (The Goodbye Stranger,) And David Van Matre (Tavern Story.)

The first reading this year is of Bruce Norris' The Infidel on Mar. 8. It tells the story of a State Supreme Court Justice and a love affair gone wrong. The second reading, on Mar. 15, is Flung by Lisa Dillman. Flung explores the memories of four children two years after their father has died.

Both readings are being directed by Anna D. Shapiro, resident director of Steppenwolf. She has directed previous Steppenwolf productions including Wolf Lullaby and The Viewing Room.

The two remaining plays, by Jane Jones and Hilary Bell, will be read sometime in August. All readings will be held in the Studio Theater, 1650 N. Halstead Street (3rd Floor.) Admission is free, for reservations call (312) 335-1888, extension 5692. --By Angelica Roderick