The second annual "Seattle Stories" benefit evening, featuring writers and performers from other media putting their pens to paper, happens at Seattle,WA's Empty Space Theatre, Sept. 20. The EST benefit ($125-$175) will offer short plays and vignettes by jazz vocalist Ernestine Anderson, philosopher/writer Robert Fulghum (All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten), newscaster Mona Lee Locke and novelist Tom Robbins (Still Life With Woodpecker, Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, Jitterbug Perfume).

Empty Space actors will appear in the benefit, which is hosted by Tracey Conway of the weekly satire on local TV, "Almost Live!". For tickets call (206) 547-7633.

Artistic director Eddie Levi Lee has also announced the 1997-98 EST season line-up:
A Place With The Pigs, by Athol Fugard (prev. Nov. 14; runs Nov. 19 Dec. 13).
TBA (Jan. 2-31, 1998)
Accidental Death Of An Anarchist, a satire by Dario Fo, adapted by John Lahr (prev. Feb. 13, 1998; runs Feb. 18-March 21, 1998)
Of Mice And Men, John Steinbeck adapted his own novel of two ranch-hands, one retarded and unwittingly dangerous. (Prev. April 3, 1998; runs: April 8-May 9, 1998).
The Compleat Wks Of Wllm Shkspr (Abridged), a wild farce by the reduced Shakespeare Company (Jess Borgeson, Adam Long & Daniel Singer). (Prev May 22, 1998; runs May 27-June 27, 1998).

For information on the Empty Space Theatre's 28th season call (206) 547-7500. The theatre is also offering a free subscription to the winner of its contest: whoever sends in the best reason (in 25 words or less) why people should subscribe to EST. Send entries, before Sept. 26, to 3509 Fremont Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103. "The decision of the judges may be arbitrary and indefensible," reads EST's fall 1997 newsletter, "but will nevertheless be final."

--By David Lefkowitz