Archive: The Imaginary Invalid by Moliere

Summary: M. Argan, the imaginary invalid, has enormous medical bills to pay. He proposes to marry his daughter Angelique to the gormless son of old friend Dr Diaforus to cut down expenses and have ample medical care 'on tap'. Angelique, however, is secretly in love with someone else and between them and the maid Toinette (who actually runs the household!) they conspire to change her father's plans and those of his scheming, greedy wife Beline and her lawyer.

Moliere's skill is in satirising the hypocrisy of various professions and the naivity of their clients as he generally 'pokes the borax' at everyone!

About the director Stagecraft was thrilled to have Phillip Mann direct this production. Phillip, an extensively published writer and recognised professional director both in New Zealand and abroad, has most recently taught theatre studies at Victoria University, directed shows for Downstage and Circa, opera at the St James and worked overseas with student groups in the UK, Holland and France. He has a love and knowledge of theatre that ranges from Greek tragedy and Shakespeare to Ibsen, new New Zealand work and the theatre of the absurd.

Season: 17-27 November 2004.

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