The event which has given New York Urinetown, Debbie Does Dallas and the As You Like It now playing at the Public Theater (as well as hundreds of other shows) will this year host productions from France, India, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Venezuela, Nigeria, Turkey and Japan. Specific attractions will not be announced until late May. As usual, more than 200 plays, musicals and miscellaneous entertainments are expected to litter the many theatres of the Lower East Side and East Village. The 2003 Festival will be the second presided over Elena K. Holy, who became producing artistic director of The Present Company, the host organization of the fest, when founder John Clancy stepped down in 2001 after five years of service. Last year's extravaganza has so far failed to produce a stand-out success, though Matt & Ben and The Joy of Sex attracted attention and honors. After a stint at U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Matt & Ben will embark on a national tour to select cities before returning to New York City for an Off-Broadway run.

Tickets to Fringe shows are $15. For more information, call (212) 279-4488.