Systems Theatre: Coachella Valley

Systems Theatre: Coachella Valley is a sculptural earthwork by artist Samuel Stubblefield.

The project in Coachella is an Earth-based prototype for a sister edition of the project on the surface of the Moon. The lunar edition is made entirely from lunar regolith leftover from mining on the Moon’s South Pole. Construction on the lunar edition will begin in 2026, when a small rover will be placed on the Moon as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Systems program.

On Earth, the prototype sculpture gives visitors a direct connection to the Moon, inviting them to look up and contemplate our moment in time as humans become a multiplanetary species.

While the sculpture will be formed by traditional excavating equipment, the sculpture will continuously be reformed by Astrolab’s FLEX rover, mirroring the construction process to be used on the moon.

Systems Theatre also serves as a stage for performance art and dance, light and video installations, music performances, and spiritual ceremonies, offering a unique experience to both performers and audience members.