Something tells me that the stage of the Severance Building, former home of the Fresno Ballet, was never graced with a pair of studded black stiletto heels. Until now. For those who complain that Fresno theater is too safe -- too family-friendly and unwilling to get down and dirty -- your day has arrived. In "Love's Fire," a trio of one-act plays presented by the newly founded Artists Repertory Theater, you'll get a rousing smorgasbord of sexual obsession, jealousy and betrayal. That each are inspired by a Shakespearean sonnet -- and penned by powerhouse playwrights -- makes it even more intense experience.

Marsha Norman's "140," directed by Adam Meredith, is the weakest of the three, with four lovers betraying each other in a series of continuing rounds of deception. It tries hard for sexual heat (hence the stilettos) but never rises above the level of academic exercise. "Terminating," by Tony Kushner (and directed by Michael Peterson) is much more powerful. A disturbed patient (Jaguar Bennett in a goofy and searing portrayal) pleads with his ex-psychiatrist (played with brittle aplomb by Jennifer Hurd-Peterson) to take him on again as a client while their respective lovers whine in the background. Kushner's blusteringly intellectual script gives the whole experience a rousing, me-thinks-too-much appeal; it's like a philosophy class that's rated NC-17.

And capping off the evening is Eric Bogosian's chipper "Bitter Sauce," about a distraught bride-to-be (nicely played by Gabriela Nalbandian) who springs an uncomfortable surprise on her fiance (Meredith, in fine form). Director S. Eric Day finds the glee in this sharp, dark piece. Overall, "Love's Fire" certainly generates some heat.

Additional performances: 8:30 p.m. March 10, 5:30 p.m. March 11, Severance Building (Wishon and Floradora). Tickets: $7. Info: http://www.myspace.com/artfresno/