MUCH ADO ABOUT MEDEA...It's not for everyone, this classic Greek tragedy about a woman who takes revenge on her philandering husband by killing their two children, but PAC REP's production of the ROBINSON JEFFERS adaptation of MEDEA-opening Saturday with a gala reception-promises to be a bright light in this spring's theater season. At the very least, it won't be uninteresting. Pac Rep artistic director STEPHEN MOORER says he's a big fan of Medea, which he sees as "the precursor to all the great revenge tragedies." The Robinson Jeffers adaptation, written in 1947 for Dame Judith Anderson's Broadway appearance, is the most-often performed version of the EURIPEDES play. "It's one clear, distinct story that happens in real time, over a six-hour period. The poetry is beautiful, very naturalistic, and all of it very relevant to the story." Moorer also likes the fact that Jeffers has reduced the classic Greek Chorus to three women, all of whom have distinct characters and points of view. Pac Rep will present the play in period style, with classic Greek set and costumes, and has brought in Bay Area actress JULIA BROTHERS for the starring role, as well as noted director JOE CHAIKIN. Half-price previews Thursday and Friday are followed by SATURDAY'S GALA, A BENEFIT FOR THE ROBINSON JEFFERS TOR HOUSE, with reception at 6:30pm and show at 7:30pm. Call 622-0100.

YOUTH ARTS COLLECTIVE...As public schools slash their arts programs right and left, it's heartening to find local nonprofits like YOUTH ARTS COLLECTIVE ready to take up the slack. This organization bills itself as "providing a creative sanctuary for Monterey county youth to explore their potential as artists, while developing personal awareness, social understanding and an appreciation for contributing to their community." One way they contribute is by mounting public shows of their artwork, like the two shows currently up in Monterey: one at the MONTEREY PUBLIC LIBRARY through March 28, and one at the ALVARADO GALLERY OF THE MONTEREY CONFERENCE CENTER, which closes Feb. 24. The latter show includes not only works of art by the 32 young artists, but chairs each one has decorated in fanciful style. Check it out.

CARMEL ART ASSOCIATION...Artists wishing to apply for membership in the CAA must submit their slides by April 16. Pick up applications at the gallery on Dolores Street in Carmel by April 15. Call 624-6176 or visit www.carmelart.org.

-Sue Fishkoff