Joanna Settle directs the reading, which features the talents of Tina Benko, Sanjit DeSilva, Ed Hajj, Mozhan Marno, Tim McGeever and Waleed Zuaiter. Show time is 7 PM.

Our Enemies, according to press notes, is described as such: "Two Arab-American novelists struggle to balance artistic integrity and commercial success as artists in a post-September 11th world. A third puts art aside when his political passions surge. In a country where they are forever being ostracized as outsiders, celebrated as exotic, or accused of selling out to the mainstream, the lines between art and politics begin to blur."

Playwright El Guindi has also penned Back of the Throat, The Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith, Such a Beautiful Voice is Sayeda's and Karima's City.

The Ars Nova is located in Manhattan at 511 West 54th Street. Reservations are required by calling (212) 977-1700 or by e-mailing [email protected]. For more information go to www.arsnovanyc.com.

* The Out Loud series will next present Kathryn Walat's Smile Nov. 19 at 7 PM; Lisa Peterson will direct.