The New York Times
Friday April 9, 1999

Leisure/Weekend Desk

FAMILY FARE - By Laurel Graeber

Sisterhood and Survival

''Homegirls on the Prowl'' centers on a story that is sad and familiar: a young woman murdered by an abusive man she once loved. But although ''Homegirls'' never allows theatergoers to forget this violent act -- a memorial to Angel, the murdered teen-ager, is center stage -- the play, which deals with growing up as a Hispanic woman, is more about survival than victimization. Presented by the Playwrights Project at the Henry Street Settlement Abron Arts Center, the work offers the sometimes harrowing stories of seven of Angel's friends. But these homegirls escape: to Rutgers, to Harvard, to a dance floor, to the arms of another woman.

Cyn Cañel Rossi, a first-time playwright, has written ''Homegirls'' almost entirely as poetic monologues. Although the results are moving, her writing is strongest when she avoids sentimental metaphors. Gladys (Jonisha Rios) is hilariously clear about who was exploiting whom in her affair with her science teacher. And when a ghostly Angel (Onahoua Rodriguez) finally relates her memories (''It was bliss at first . . .''), the speech is all the more searing for its unvarnished directness.

Yvette Tomlinson has directed the talented cast with an intoxicating energy that will appeal to teen-agers. (The situations and language may be too strong for those under 12.) Ultimately, ''Homegirls'' is not just an exploration of what it means to be Latina, but what it means to be young.

''Homegirls on the Prowl,'' runs today and tomorrow at 8 P.M., Sunday at 3 P.M., at the Abron Arts Center, 466 Grand Street, Lower East Side, (212) 532-4686. Tickets: $12.