March 10-12 and March 17-19, 2023
Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET) will present the world premiere of Kafka’s Joke, written by Rich Rubin and directed by DET’s Artistic Director, Jerome Elliott Moskowitz. This fast-paced, 90-minute comedy recounts120 years in the life (and after-life) of Franz Kafka, the literary world’s most reluctant celebrity. How did the ownership of Kafka’s work end up in the Israeli Supreme Court in 2016? All Kafka wanted was to be forgotten and for his words to be burned. Kafka’s Joke is recalls the many twists and turns and colorful characters who took Kafka’s writings from Prague, throughout Europe and eventually to Tel Aviv. Who owns his writings? An elderly secretary, Germany or Israel?
Kafka’s Joke will run for two weekends, March 10-12 and March 17-19 2023, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.
DET is pleased to present this world premiere production by playwright Rich Rubin. Rich is a Portland, OR resident and winner of the Julie Harris Playwright award and many other distinguished prizes. Kafka’s Joke is a natural fit for DET’s series of ‘West Coast Originals.’
DET Artistic Director Jerome Elliott Moskowitz states: “Kafka’s Joke is a masterfully written story rich in irony, fascinating history, and deftly realized characterizations. With the recent publication of Kafka’s unfiltered diaries, now is the perfect time for audiences to explore one of literature’s most enigmatic figures.”
The cast features DET veterans Melanie Blue, John Corr, Larry Dyekman and Charles Herrera. Noted musical theatre personality Jaci Davis makes her DET debut in her first non-singing dramatic role.
Kafka’s Joke will run for two weekends, March 10-12 and March 17-19 2023, with performances Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 2pm. Tickets are $35 and are on sale now. For additional information or to purchase tickets visit DesertEnsembleTheatre.org or call (760) 565-2476. DET is located in the Palm Springs Cultural Center located at 2300 E. Baristo Rd. in Palm Springs.
Photo Caption:
Charles Herrera (left) as Max Brod and John Corr (right) as Fran Kafka in Desert Ensemble Theaters production of Kafka’s Joke at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Photo credit: Jerome Elliott Moskowitz
