Nexus Ensemble Theatre will present an eight-week Festival of Contemporary One-Act Plays at the Santa Monica Playhouse's "Other Space" beginning April 27 and continuing through June 25. The nine-play Festival features a variety of West Coast and world premieres by such writers as Peter Berg, Peter Hedges and Susan Enshwiller. The plays will be presented on two separate evening programs, with program B beginning May 11.Program A includes short works by Berg, Junlie Marie Myatt, Tom Klesche, John Pleshette and Emshwiller. Program B's roster includes Jeff Hoffman, Bruce McIntosh and Hedges. Among the directors are Marty Pistone, Wayne Pere, C.B. Brown and Dan Bonnell, artistic director of Arcade.

Santa Monica Playhouse is located at 1211 Fourth St. in Santa Monica. For tickets and information call (310) 298-3616.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent