Following the issuance of an Islamic Fatwa in Britain earlier this week against playwright Terrence McNally, there have been reports of possible demonstrations planned against the play in Santa Ana, California, according to at least one wire service.

The Rude Guerilla production of McNally's play, scheduled to run into December at Santa Ana's Empire Theatre, located in that city's Artists Village downtown, is the focal point of the recent reports.

Santa Ana Police Sgt. Raul Luna told Playbill On-Line that he was aware of the play's controversial record, including the Fatwa that originated in Britain Oct. 31, as well as the protests that surrounded the play's opening at Manhattan Theatre Club last year in New York.

But while Luna believed his force was apprised of the story, he indicated he had not heard of any special instructions or problems that were expected in connection with the play's run.

Luna added that the Santa Ana Police Department had stopped short of taking extraordinary measures in connection with McNally's play. "We have not set aside any staff in reserve," Luna said, "and we don't really have any special contingency plans at this time." Luna said that if any demonstrations or trouble arose the police would respond in a routine fashion. The Santa Ana Police Department was made aware of the Corpus Christi run at the 50-seat Empire Theatre by a source who approached the department's Hispanic Relations Officer.

-- By Murdoch McBride