No, no, no, we don't mean that. We mean, go check out the opening of Last Planet Theatre's first show in its brand-new space on the border of the Civic Center and the 'Loin. In keeping with the company's ethos, they're going back to the playwright whose work made them get their act together in the first place. Therefore, get ready for Wallace Shawn's , opening this weekend.

Even if you don't know Wallace Shawn's name, if you hear a particular voice when you hear the word inconceivable, you know who he is. Such a shame that that's what he's best known for, since he is actually quite an accomplished playwright, befitting the literary heritage he bears as the scion of the legendary editor of The New Yorker, William Shawn. Shawn the Younger has written several plays as well as the film My Dinner with Andre, in which he also acts. Mourner was also made into a film, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing it live, especially when Last Planet puts it on.

Last Planet, under the direction of John Wilkins, specializes in tackling difficult texts and bringing them admirably to life. (In the spirit of full disclosure, Wilkins was also SFist's Shakespeare TA way back in our undergraduate days at UC Berkeley.) The thing about avant-garde plays is that in the wrong hands they can be deadly -- but Wilkins knows how to mine the meaning out of such works, and the times we've seen Last Planet productions we've been suitably impressed.

For the cost-conscious, there's a $10 preview this Thursday at 8pm. The two Champagne Opening Nights ($25) are this Friday and Saturday at 8pm. The run continues Thursday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 7 pm through October 17. Ticket prices for the regular run are $15-18. For tickets or information, visit their website or call the box office at 415 440-3505.

The Designated Mourner