PLAYS set in a Nigerian village and a Korean wood open at Birmingham's Repertory Theatre this week.

The Main Theatre hosts The Lion and The Jewel by Wole Soyinka, described as "a lively ribald comedy with dark undertones".

The story concerns Sidi, the local beauty queen in the Nigerian village of Ilunjinle, who has been photographed by a western photographer and the effects this has on her.

A spokesman explains: "At once everyone is taking notice of her - from a westernised school teacher to the lecherous old tribal chief and their attentions expose deep tensions within the tribe.

"In a carnival of dance and song, Sidi must find her destiny in a struggle between the old and the new, the modern and the traditional in this troubled comedy of the human condition."

Nigerian born Nobel prize-winning playwright, poet and novelist Wole Soyink is considered Africa's most distinguished writer and the Nigerian link is continued as the play's director Chuck Mike lives there.

The Lion and The Jewel is recommended for ages 12 and over and plays from today (Wednesday) until Saturday, evenings at 7.30pm (Wednesday 7pm) with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets cost £10-17 (concessions available).

l Then, from Monday, The Door at The Rep, sees the UK premiere of The Bridge, a unique play that features a special company made up of actors from South Korea and Birmingham.

Written by Birmingham writer Peter Wynne-Willson and Korean writer Ko Sun Duck, the play tells the story

of a young man from Birmingham doing his National Service as a soldier in the Korean War and his friendship with three Korean children who rescue him.

Performances take place Monday - Wednesday, September 26-28, evenings with a Tuesday performance at 1.30pm.

Tickets, cost £10 (£7.50 concessions).

l Tickets for both shows from the box office on 0121 236 4455 or www.birmingham-rep.co.uk.