Jarry is the erratic genius who created Ubu Roi, a play which caused a riot when it premiered in France in 1896, and which is regarded as the wellspring of the absurdist playwriting movement that followed a half century later. In Jabu, the mindless violence of the play is juxtaposed with the life of Jarry, who knew such figures as Henry Rosseau, Toulouse-Lautrec, famed director Lugne-Poe and Madame de Rachilde. Jarry died of excessive drink in 1907 at the age of 34.

Swados directs a cast of 17 including Nicola Barber, Stephanie Braun, Paula Ehrenberg, Michael Francis, Meredith Holzman, Parrish Hurley, Nicholas Job, Derrick Karg, Jamie King, Danielle Levanas, Taylor Mac, Emily Mattheson, Kevin T. Moore, Ana Valle, Hondo Weiss-Richmond, Matt Wells and Matt Wilson. The production features set, puppet and video design by Sue Rees; costumes by Melissa Schlactmeyer; lighting by Garin Marschall; and musical direction by Kris Kukul.

Swados' credits include Runaways, Doonesbury, Dispatches, The Haggedah, Jerusalem, Rap Master Ronnie and Missionaries.

For tickets call (212) 352-3101.

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Elizabeth Swados recently published "My Depression," a memoir in the form of a graphic picture book. The title refers quite literally to a bout with depression Swados suffered through, and which is depicted in words and pictures in the volume. According to press materials, "the author's whimsical drawings provide a unique view of her experience with depression, from her urge to keep her condition a secret to the strange effects of 'new' drugs and finally interesting ways to fight back. In words and pictures, [it] provides a thorough examination of depression, from feelings of vulnerability to seemingly trivial daily events that set off downward spirals."