"Opposite Worlds" enjoyed its world premier at the Actors Workout Studio in North Hollywood as Volume One of the Playwrights Experimental Theater series. The program is made up of seven original short plays ranging from light comedy to dark drama and presented in two parts.

Part One, written and directed by Cathee Mang, features six delightful "misadventures" in travel. Each is introduced by Sir Scott, an entertaining and charming fellow in Shakespearean garb,played by Scott Golden, who jests, quotes poetry and sings an occasional refrain.

In "Flee," two women with differing priorities must decide whether or not to evacuate when civil unrest threatens their adopted land of Indonesia. A series of phone calls both weaken and strengthen their resolve.

"Jet Green" takes place in an airport at Christmastime. Departure delays give an unhappy couple the chance to talk about important issues in their marriage. Then a suspicious stranger approaches them with a package.

In "The Magic of Theatre" two actors are frustrated by the lack of props at a rehearsal.

A very persistent stranger bull-dozes her way into a rendezvous between a man and woman in "Meet Me at the Prado."

In "Once upon a Bench," Queen Elizabeth I experiences a touch of time travel.

Set in Indonesian once again, "Under the Banyan Tree" features the same two women in the first play, but at an earlier time. It is based on a true experience of Cathee Mang, when she inadvertently insulted the sultan and was befriended by the princess.

In Part Two, "Going Soft," written and directed by Uriah Carr, depicts two killers - one older and prison-hardened, the other young and desperately in need of a fix - as they plot to murder an innocent woman.

The motive is revealed: a razor-sharp knife provides the means and then the opportunity arrives. It's a chilling story with an unexpected twist that will leave the audience satisfied.

"Opposite Worlds" will play Friday and Saturday through Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. Running time is 90 minutes including a 10-minute intermission.

Drop-ins are welcome, but you can reserve seats by calling 818-766-2171. Admission is $12.

The Actors Workout Studio is located at 4735 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, just south of Riverside Drive.