That industry reading back in June has proved successful to its purpose -- South of No North, the theatrical rendering of the down-and-out subjects of the late poet and writer, Charles Bukowski, returns to 29th Street Rep for a full mounting Sept. 20-Oct. 22. The Rep staged a showcase production of the play Feb. 24-March 26. In the piece, nine stories from the "South of No North" collection were adapted and directed by Leo Farley and Jonathan Powers for the stage.

Characterized by Bukowski's creation, Henry Chinaski, South of No North follows the adventures of a man down on his luck but still determined. Bukowski's Chinaski works also include two of his classic novels, "Post Office" and "Women." His screenplay "Barfly" was made into a 1988 movie starring Faye Dunaway and Mickey Rourke and that process, in turn, became a novel, "Hollywood." He died in California March 9, 1994, after completing his final novel, "Pulp."

Stephen Payne, recently star of the film "Hell's Kitchen" with 2000 Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie, stars as Bukowski. Tim Corcoran, Elizabeth Elkins, Paula Ewin, Gordon Holmes, Moira MacDonald and Charles Willey are also in the cast.

Designing the show are Mark Symczak (set), Stewart Wagner (lights) and Gerard Drazba (sound).

Tickets are $35. 29 Street Rep is located at 212 West 29th Street, 2nd Floor. For reservations, call (212) 465-0575. For more information on 29th Street Rep, consult the web at http://www.29thstreetrep.com.

-- By Christine Ehren