One of the best-known wordsmiths in contemporary surreal theatre, Mac Wellman has a new play opening Jan. 16, Off-Broadway at Primary Stages. Directed by Richard Caliban, Second-Hand Smoke is set in an apocalyptic riverside town. In his typically wild linguistic style, Wellman examines the late 20th Century American landscape. Previous works by Wellman include Terminal Hip, Sincerity Forever and Crowbar. Smoke can be considered the conclusion to Wellman's trilogy that started with A Murder Of Crows (1992) and The Hyacinth Macaw (1994).

Appearing in Smoke are David Greenspan The Home Show Pieces, The Boys In The Band), Joanna Adler, Frank Deal, Kristen Dispaltro, Vera Farmiga, David Patrick Kelly, Kristine Nielsen and Matt Servitto. Kyle Chepulis designed the sets, Anita Yavic the costumes, Brian Aldous the lighting, and Mike Nolan the sound and original music.

Richard Caliban is the artistic director and co-founder of Cucaracha Theatre, where he has staged many of his own works (e.g., Homo Sapien Shuffle, Rodents & Radios).

Smoke was commissioned by the American Conservatory Theatre through a grant provided by TCG/Pew Charitable Trust. For tickets ($33 $35; student rush $10) and information on Second-Hand Smoke, which runs Jan. 8-Feb. 9 at the Prmiary Stages space on West 54th St., call (212) 333-4052.

--By David Lefkowitz