LOS ANGELES -- The Watts Village Theatre Company is presenting the world premiere of Lynn Manning's comedy-drama The Last Outpost at the Los Angeles Theatre Center starting previews July 8 and officially opening July 8. The run is for one month, through July 30, directed by Roxanne Rogers.

Manning's play was commissioned by the New York Shakespeare Festival. It is set in a multi-cultural cocktail lounge in the mid-Wilshire district of L.A. and takes a tough, irreverent look at post-riot race relations.

Watts Village Theatre Company is a culturally-diverse rep company dedicated to providing classical and contemporary theatrical productions to the Watts community and the greater Los Angeles area. The Last Outpost is the first play in its 2000 season.

LATC, a facility of the Cultural Affairs Department City of Los Angeles, is located at 514 S. Spring St. For tickets and information call (213) 485-1681.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent