The pressures of polygamy and other issues related to Mormonism in the 19th Century will be the subject of "Private Truths and Public Silences - Women and Mormonism," a special talk to follow the May 13 matinee performance of Two-Headed. This new Off-Broadway play from Julie Jensen examines two Mormon women in 1800's Utah.

Lizbeth Mackay, fresh from her role as Esther Franz in the Tony-nominated Broadway revival of The Price, stars. The frontier drama began May 3 for a run through the 28th. Joan Vail Thorne (The Exact Center of the Universe) directs.

Broadway vet Mackay won the Theater World, Outer Critics Circle and Dramalogue Awards for Crimes of the Heart. Other credits include The Heiress, Abe Lincoln in Illinois and Death and the Maiden and Off-Broadway's Durang, Durang, The Seagull, Tales of the Lost Formicans and The Normal Heart.

Joining her is Deirdre O'Connell, most recently of the Public Theatre's In the Blood and the Signature Theatre's Mud. She was Drama Desk nominated for Love and Anger and won the Dramalogue and L.A. Critics Awards for Stars in the Morning.

Mackay and O'Connell play two frontier friends in 19th century Utah, where the older Lavinia torments Hettie with her secret stash of goodies raided from a hushed-up frontier massacre, both unaware of how that horrific event will shape their lives. Utah playwright Jensen's other works include the prize winners Stray Dogs, White Money and Tenderhoods: The Lost Vegas Series. The design team features David P. Gordon (sets), Carrie Robbins (costumes), Michael Lincoln (lights) and Scott Killian (sound).

Tickets are $35. Women's Project Theatre is located at 424 West 55th Street. For reservations, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Christine Ehren