Meditations on diplomacy in Other Desert Cities Ian Meadows in Other Desert Cities. Picture: Nicole Cleary Source: The Australian OTHER Desert Cities reverses the usual young/old liberal/conservative estrangement narrative in which the opinions of the rebellious kids are privileged, and the oldies are "other" and often downright evil. And, while the play takes several roundhouse swings at the younger generations - "either vegans or meth addicts, or both at the same time" - it isn't an apologia for ultra right-wing politics. Rather, it is a lament for the lost American century. The parents in Jon Robin Baitz's play were heavyweight Republican party figures in their day. Like Ronald Reagan, who rewarded him with an Ambassadorship, Lyman Wyeth (John Gaden) was a screen actor turned politician. Lyman's wife Polly (Robyn Nevin) was a screen writer turned socialite. Polly is the tougher of the duo: resilient, determined, indestructible. Now retired and living in Palm Springs, this likable and well-heeled couple are looking after Polly's recently-lapsed alcoholic sister Silda (Sue Jones) and are about to celebrate Christmas - it's 2004 - with their grown-up children. Son Trip (Ian Meadows) is creator of a trashy Judge Judy-esque reality TV show and daughter Brooke (Sacha Horler) is an author and depressive, who has just sold her second book, a tell-all family memoir, to boutique publisher Knopf. Instead of an engineered and obvious conflict between generations, Baitz sets dignified sister against ratbag sister, detached son against vengeful daughter. That said, the prevailing air is one of studied tolerance. Here's a family which has at least tried to come to terms with its differences. Cracks have been papered over. Baitz's play is a mediation on diplomacy and complicity, both in the political arena and within the family. And if you think that sounds dull, you'd be dead wrong. The writing is sophisticated and often scintillating, the characters are vivid and credible, and the narrative arc is aerodynamic. Gaden is wonderful as the peacemaker with a terrible secret. Nevin is riveting as his poker-faced consort. Meadows and Horler are entirely believable in very different, and very treacherous, roles. Jones strikes the right note as the cranky drunk, but only the one note from lights-up to blackout. The one teething problem with the production is Callum Morton's set which doesn't support the actors' voices whatsoever; they were barely audible mid auditorium. Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz. Melbourne Theatre Company. Sumner Theatre, March 7. Season ends April 17. Tickets: $58-$99. Bookings: 03 8688 0800 or mtc.com.au.