“O: A Rhapsody in Divorce” debuts at Inside Out Theatre of Highland Park (Photo – Outside In Theatre)
A new theatrical work exploring heartbreak, reinvention, and the science of emotional survival begins its first public performances this week as Jami Brandli’s O: A Rhapsody in Divorce opens previews at Outside In Theatre on Saturday, May 9, 2026. Directed by Jessica Hanna, previews run through May 16, followed by a regular engagement from May 17 to June 9.
By Melanie Hooks
Inside Out Theatre, coming off its successful coproduction of Octopus’s Garden with Pasadena’s Boston Court Theatre, continues its commitment to debuting original works. The company now brings Brandli’s play to its York Blvd. space.
A Contemporary Odyssey
The play reimagines the Greek epic The Odyssey through a modern lens. It follows O, a neurobiologist in her 40s whose life abruptly destabilizes when her husband requests a separation but refuses to leave their shared home. Forced into a state of displacement, O begins a couch‑to‑couch journey that blends memory, science, and surreal theatricality.
As she navigates the fallout of her unraveling marriage, O turns to the neurobiology of heartbreak—examining dopamine reward systems, the brain’s response to emotional separation, and the physical toll of lost love. The play positions heartbreak not as a conclusion but as a pivotal moment of transformation, charting O’s attempt to build a new sense of home from the fragments of her former life.
Audience Experience
Outside In’s lounge and café, The Lobby, will open one hour before each performance and remain open for at least two hours afterward. Light bites and a full bar will be available, including cocktails themed to the production.
Talk Back Conversations
Select performances will feature pre‑show and post‑show discussions with artists, creatives, and community members. All events take place in The Lobby.
- Sunday, May 19 – 7:00 pm
- Sunday, May 31 – 5:00 pm: Directors of New Plays Panel moderated by Katie Lindsay of BLTC
- Tuesday, June 2 – 7:00 pm
- Sunday, June 7 – 5:00 pm: Q&A with cast and creative team, supported by ASL interpreters
- Tuesday, June 9 – 7:00 pm
O: A Rhapsody in Divorce Previews: May 9 – May 16, 2026 Main Run: May 17 - June 9, 2026 Mon, Tues, Sat, Sun: 8:00 pm (3:00 pm Matinee) Location Outside In Theatre 5317 York Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90042 Preview Tickets: $15 -$25 Main Run Tickets: $25- $40
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