LOS ANGELES -- Welcome to Shiva Arms, home of the most dysfunctional group of tenants in all of Hollywood.Written and performed by Doug Motel, the solo show Shiva Arms will have its world premiere on Sept. 3 at the Coast Playhouse in W. Hollywood.

Actor/writer Motel portrays eleven raffish characters, ranging from a punk rocker and a "B" movie actress to a crusty 86-year-old retired negative cutter.

Of Motel's earlier show, Mind Salad,, the Los Angeles Times said, "Doug Motel thinks funny and that's the first requisite for creating humor. His art is portraiture -- often startling, vocally and visually."

Produced by Eileen T'Kaye and directed by Michael Michetti,Shiva Arms runs through Oct. 4 at the Coast Playhouse, 8325 Santa Monuica Blvd. Perfs. are Thurs.-Sat. at 8 PM; Sun. at 3 PM. Tickets are $24-$27. Call (323) 660-8587.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent