LOS ANGELES -- Peace Quest, a non-profit theatrical organization dedicated to ending violence in our homes, neighborhoods, schools and work places, will present the world premiere of Peace, It's All About Respect!!! at the Odyssey Theatre Nov. 28 for a 7-week run.

In the piece, nine multi-cultural actors celebrate the beauty of the human being that overcomes racism, sexism and anything that leads to violence.

The show's concept is by founder Deirdre Smith. Smith, who wrote the play with the cast, also directs and performs in the show.

Included in the ensemble are Brenda Chiavarini, Kristine Diaz, Alan Garcia, Mike Flowers, John Hensley, Poetri, Tatum Shank and Betty Yoon.

Smith is the co-owner of RAZZOP Productions, a music house that produces and writes commercial jingles. "As a young African-American woman, I know how painful it is growing up in America at the end of the 20th century," she said. "It is a war zone that takes many prisoners and allows too many people to die, regardless of age, race, creed, color, economic status or gender. It is time to change this country into the sweet land of liberty that it should be." Each cast member has written separate scenes from his/her own pain and joy as individuals and members of different ethnic backgrounds. "All these pieces together represent the torn fragments of our society and are held together by the beginnings of life and reflect choices we make," Smith said.

Peace plays through Jan. 10, 1999, at the Odyssey, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd. Tickets are $18.50- $22.50; opening night $50 ($100 with a signed limited edition of a specially designed poster by artist Jan Sawka). Call (310) 477- 2055 for information.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent