Two of L.A.'s newest theatre companies, Black Dahlia Theatre and Firefly Theatre, are collaborating on a production of William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure, which will open Aug. 25 and play through Sept. 16 at the Black Dahlia Theatre.

Visually influenced by Vienna of the 1920s, this production of Measure for Measure is directed by Laura Stribling, a 1997 graduate of the Yale School of Drama. She feels that the play's "dominant themes of morality, justice and corruption are ignited with alarming poignancy and relevance to today's world."

Stribling and the artistic directors of Black Dahlia and Firefly--Matt Shakman and Steven Klein, respectively-- all met at Yale, where they sought ways to present plays that departed from the tradition-heavy Yale trademark. Klein's company, founded in 1996, reflects the work of such teachers as Kristin Linklater, Shakespeare & Company and Jacques Le Coq.

Shakman founded Black Dahlia in order to produce a year-round calendar of new and classic works, play readings and workshops.

Featured in Measure for Measure are Leigh Bardugo, Joshua Wolf Coleman, Joshua Fardon, Elisa Fisher, Ramlah Frediani, Jo Anne Glover, Sarah Jakle, Klein, Jon Lutz, David Metz, Brent Morley and Shakman.Black Dahlia Theatre is located at 5453 Pico Blvd. For tickets and information call (323) 525-0070.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent