Tom Stoppard's drama of ill-fated love, Indian Ink, a 1995 hit in London, will have its North American premiere next season at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. The drama, which opens Feb. 24, 1999, will be directed by the theatre's artistic director, Carey Perloff, and will mark the return to ACT of Jean Stapleton in the supporting role of the poet-heroine's sister (played by Margaret Tyzack in London). The role of the poet, played by Felicity Kendal in London, will be played at ACT by Wendy Makkena in her company debut.

First up on the theatre's subscription series is Fool Moon, with contemporary clowns Bill Irwin and David Shiner reprising their Broadway roles. Fool Moon opens Sept. 9.

Other plays in the ACT season lineup include: Juno and the Paycock, directed by Giles Havergal and featuring Charles Dean and Geoff Hoyle (who were seen in Havergal's staging at the theatre last season of Travels with My Aunt).

Hecuba, an encore of the 1995 ACT hit production of the Euripides tragedy, starring Olympia Dukakis. (This will come on the heels of performances of the play in summer 1998 at the Williamstown Theatre Festival and the Athens Festival in Greece.)

Long Day's Journey into Night, starring Marco Barricelli and Kathleen Widdoes (who starred in last season's Rose Tattoo). Tartuffe, directed by Charles Randolph-Wright (ACT's Insurrection: Holding History) and featuring Steven Anthony Jones and Shona Tucker.

In addition, there will be a holiday revival of A Christmas Carol.

For more information, call (415) 749-2228.

-- By Rebecca Paller