Kafka’s Joke

By Desert Star Staff

Palm

Springs, CA

(February 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 fastpaced, 90-minute comedy recounts 120 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? Kafka wanted to be forgotten and his words to be burned. Kafka’s Joke 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 at 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

Cal GEM, the state agency regulating oil and gas, has been working on regulations to phase out new drilling for the past few years. Cal GEM’s director resigned in January, so environmental groups are pressing Gov. Gavin Newsom 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 debut in her first nonsinging 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 at 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 at 2300 E. Baristo Rd. in Palm Springs.

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