The Imaginary Invalid
Written in the seventeenth century, "The Imaginary Invalid" remains a contemporary comedy, addressing a universal ailment that has persisted throughout human history. Molière employs the medicine of laughter to enable his audience to confront and comprehend their follies and weaknesses without bruising their pride. The play revolves around a self-centered man ensconced in a world of both ignorance and wisdom. Through these characters, Molière underscores humanity's tendency to seek external remedies for its ailments instead of harnessing internal strength and resilience. Thus, "The Imaginary Invalid" serves as a metaphor for our times, skillfully illuminating a profound truth through the lens of humor.
The footage featured in this trailer was captured during performances in Austria and India back in 1996.
donate
donate
video content
SYNOPSIS
Synopsis
Molière's comedic play follows the hypochondriac Argan, who believes himself to be constantly ailing. His obsession with his health leads him to consult numerous doctors, much to the frustration of his family. Meanwhile, his daughter Angelique is in love with Cleante, but Argan plans for her to marry a doctor to secure free medical care. Through a series of humorous misunderstandings and schemes, the play explores themes of deception, family dynamics, and the absurdities of the medical profession, ultimately culminating in a farcical yet enlightening resolution.
Featured characters
Argan, the hypochondriac
Beline, his second wife
Angelique, his eldest daughter, in love with Cleante
Beraldine, his sister
Louison, his younger daughter
Toinette, his housekeeper
Cleante, in love with Angelique
Mr. Diafoirus, a doctor
Thomas Diafoirus, suitor to Angelique
Mr. Fleurant, an apothecary
Mr. Purgon, a doctor
Mr. De Bonfois, a notary
Punchinello, in love with Toinette
The Angel
Specifications
Type of show
Actors’ theatre in English, suitable for all ages
Running time
180 minutes
Actors on stage
12 actors and 2 musicians (accordion, percussion)
Minimum technical requirements
8 x 6 m stage space, two wings, mains electricity.
Lighting
The show needs a simple general cover (pre-rigged).
Get in
Access is required from 10 am on the day of performance.
Set Strike time
Two hour.
Cost
On request.
Note
The show is also suitable for non-theatrical spaces (ie halls, exhibition spaces, courtyards).
people
Author
Molière
Director
Catherine Gruyer
Original Cast
Argan - Kenneth Jay
Beline - Nicolette van 't Hek
Angelique - Sigrid Mertens/ Rita Maria Lönner
Beraldine - Alexandra Maitland Hume
Louison/ Mr. Fleurant - Deborah Eckman
Toinette - Gita Pattison
Cleante - Tim Bruce / Victor Vertunni
Mr. Diafoirus- Victor Vertunni / Reinhard Winter
Thomas Diafoirus - Tilmann Schillinger / George Barberton
Mr. Fleurant - Kim Lethbridge / Deborah Eckman
Mr. Purgon - Kim Lethbridge
Mr. De Bonfois - Reinhard Winter
Punchinello - Tilmann Schillinger / Carlo Ferrante
The Angel - Monia Giovannangeli
Original music / Sound design
Philippe Chaignon
Musicians
Philippe Chaignon - percussion
Didier Lamothe - accordeon, keyboard
Stage and lighting design
Martin Mohr
Choreography
Review quotes
I was sucked in by theatre. Just when you start to write off Indian theatre and despair sets in regarding the state of Indian drama, a breath of fresh air clears away the stagnation. This time, the revitalization comes in the form of a unique drama troupe – the Theatre of Eternal Values, a 'universal group of performers'.......
The Indian Express (Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai, January 9, 1997)
Of the performance, one thing is certain: it is tempestuous, speedy, and colorful. French director Catherine Gruyer, along with the actors, has completely reimagined this biting comedy. Irreverence and deliberately inserted breaks in style give the whole production the feel of a furious Carnival gag, like an unrestrained prank that acknowledges nothing but itself.....
Wiener Zeitung (Theater in der Längenfeldgasse, Vienna, June 20, 1997)
Theatre of Eternal Values, an innovative multinational company, has cleverly blended dance, mime, and burlesque in this commendably inventive and highly entertaining production of Molière's classic comedy. From the moment the hypochondriac Argan takes the stage, plotting to marry his beautiful daughter Angélique into a medical family for his own benefit, the rollicking fun is non-stop.....
The Stage (for Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Greyfriars Kirk House, Edinburgh, August 1997)
Formed in Belgium only last year, the confident multinational cast of Theatre of Eternal Values begins its UK career with a vigorous adaptation of Molière's "Le Malade Imaginaire." Mixing dance, mime, and song, "The Imaginary Invalid" offers originality and a simple infectious exuberance that soon captivates the audience, though the larger-than-life performances have clearly been honed in less intimate venues....
The Scotsman (for Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Greyfriars Kirk House, Edinburgh, August 1997)
If your memories of Molière from university courses are not the fondest, you need a dose of "Theater of Eternal Values". This multinational company has conducted meticulous research into 17th-century French song, dance, and burlesque, resulting in a vibrant new interpretation of "The Imaginary Invalid.".....
Austria Today (Theater in der Längenfeldgasse, Vienna, October 26, 1997)
performance history
(country, theatres)
1996
26-28/ 09/1996
Studio Moliere
Vienna, Austria
02/10/1996
Akropolis Theatre
Prague, Czech Republic
05 - 08/10/1996
Theatre de Terr-Sainte
Coppet, Switzerland
11 - 12/10/1996
De Rode Pomp
Ghent, Belgium
1997
09 - 10/01/1997
Sophia Bhabha Auditorium
Mumbai, India
13 - 15/01/1997
Siri Fort Auditorium
Delhi, India
24 - 25/05/1997
Festsaal Kulturzentrum
Meidling, Austria
04 - 05/06/1997
Teatro Ciak
Milano, Italy
06/06/1997
Le Mois Moliere Festival
Versailles France
09/06/1997
Theatre du Gymnase Marie Bell
Paris, France
12/06/1997
Moliere Theatre
Vienna, Austria
18 - 19/06/1997
Bezirksfestwochen, Theater in der Längenfeldgasse
Vienna, Austria
30/06/1997
Festsaal, Schulzentrum
Neumarkt, Austria
01/07 - 03/07/1997
Kleines Theater
Schallmoos, Austria
18 - 30/08/1997
Fringe Festival, Greyfriar's Kirk House
Edinburgh, Scotland
07/ 10 + 14/10//1997
Stadttheater
St. Pölten, Austria
24/10/1997
Linyer Volkshaus Keferfeld/Oed
Linz, Austria
25 - 26/10/1997
Theater in der Längenfeldgasse
Vienna, Austria
31/10/1997
Black Box am Gasteig
Munich, Germany
1998
25 - 28/05/1998
Theater Akzent
Vienna, Austria
08/07/1998
Radio Kulturhaus, Grosser Sendesaal
Vienna, Austria
