Desert Ensemble Theater’s world premiere of Rich Rubin’s Dispersion of Light opened this past Friday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, and it’s a fascinating dive into the 1930s art world. The play centers on 1932—a chaotic year for Georgia O’Keeffe, who was balancing a massive commission for Radio City Music Hall while her marriage to Alfred Stieglitz was very publicly on the rocks. It’s a smart, moody look at the tug-of-war between the ego of New York and the quiet, autonomous pull of Taos.

Charles Herrera, Sarah Elizabeth Woolsey

The cast does a great job making these icons feel like flesh-and-blood people. Melanie Blue is wonderful as O’Keeffe; she has this sharp, guarded energy that makes you feel her need for space. Watching her go up against Charles Herrera’s Stieglitz is a highlight—he plays him with a mix of visionary charm and a suffocating ego that makes their volatile partnership feel very real.

Lisa Hammert, Melanie Blue

There are some great DET debuts here, too. Lisa Hammert (in her theatrical debut) brings a grounded warmth to O’Keeffe’s friend Beck Strand, and Sarah Elizabeth Woolsey is perfectly cast as the ambitious Dorothy Norman, playing the role with a subtle, cool grace. Ray Kelly also stands out as industrial designer Donald Deskey, giving the group a practical, straight-shooting perspective that keeps the loftier art talk down to earth.

Ray Kelly, Charles Herrera

Director Jerome Elliott Moskowitz clearly has a great shorthand with playwright Rich Rubin (this is their first collaboration since 2023’s runaway hit world premiere Kafka’s Joke). Despite the heavy research involved, the play never feels like a lecture. Visually, it’s a beautiful show—Thomas L. Valach’s set and Nick Wass’s lighting really capture that hazy, Southwestern atmosphere, and the costumes by Denée Dentice are spot-on. Andrew M. Edwards’ original score is the finishing touch that ties the mood together.

Melanie Blue, Lisa Hammert, Charles Herrera

It’s a polished, engaging night of theater and a reminder of why DET has been such a staple in our local scene. It fulfills the role of theater on multiple levels including inspiring me to google for more details about O’Keefe during the intermission. If you’re into art history—or just like a well-acted, tense drama—don’t miss this one.

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photos by Tara Howard

The Roommate
Desert Ensemble Theatre
Camelot Theaters in the Palm Springs Cultural Center
2300 East Baristo Road in Palm Springs
Fri at 7:30; Sat at 2 & 7:30; Sun at 2
ends on February 1, 2025
for tickets ($40), call 760.565.2476 or visit Desert Ensemble

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