The Imaginary Invalid

1996-98 TEV International

by Jean-Baptiste Poquelin de Moliere

Moliere's The Imaginary Invalid was the first full blown production of the Theatre of Eternal Values, since when it has been staged 85 times in seven countries. It was also featured, with the patronage of the Ministry of Education, as a curricular presentation in 21 Austrian schools in conjunction with dramatic workshops.

The Imaginary Invalid draws its inspiration from 'commedia dell arte' and burlesque, resulting in enchanting poetic imagery and highly-charged physical comedy.

Driven by his obsession with illness and medicine, hypochondriac Argan determines to marry his eldest daughter, Angelique, to a doctor. Angelique, however, is in love with Cleante. Torn between love and duty she turns to Toinette, the housekeeper and backbone of the family. Will they succeed in overthrowing Argan's self-centred plans and outwit his manipulative and materialistic second wife, Béline?

Through this comedy, Moliere highlights our reliance on chemical remedies for our spiritual ailments and illustrates the need to find a cure from within.