Los Angeles' Deaf West Theatre Company kicks off its 1999 season with a production of Federico Garcia Lorca's tragedy The House of Bernada Alba, directed by Larry Arrick. The run is May 8 through June 13.

Lorca's play is set in a provincial area of Spain, circa early 1900's, and deals with five emotionally pinched sisters who have been isolated from the world by their domineering, puritanical mother. The sisters' feelings and yearnings are ignited when the eldest is betrothed to a handsome, sensual young man.

Featuring a cast of deaf and hearing actors, the drama will be presented in American Sign Language with voice interpretation for hearing members of the audience.

The House of Bernada Alba will be performed at the Ventura Court Theatre, 12417 Ventura Court in Studio City. For information, call (818) 762-2773 (Voice); (818) 762-2782 (TTY).

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent