Moliere's
The Imaginary Invalid


Directed and Designed by Lon Winston




CAST
Jeff Carlson. . . . . . . . . .Argan
Linda White. . . . . . . . . Toinette
Jennica Lundin. . . . . . . . Angelica
Valerie Haugen. . . . . . . .Beline
Patrick Murray. . . . . . . . Bonnefoy
Mallory Parks. . . . . . . . Cleante
Michael Miller. . . . . . . . Dr. Diaforus
Peter Goodwin. . . . . . . . Thomas
Brooke Murray. . . . . . . . Louise
Richard Lyon. . . . . . . . .Beralde
Lana Karp. . . . . . . . . . Fleurant
Lon Winston. . . . . . . . . Dr. Purgon


















MOLIÈRE (JEAN-BAPTISTE POQUELIN) (1622-1673) remains one of France's best known playwrights. Born in Paris, Molière's father was a prosperous merchant, but his mother died when he was 10. Following Jesuit school, he briefly pursued a degree in law before choosing a career in theatre.

Molière was best known for his "comédie-ballet" style. He created a skillful patterning of dialogue which is designed to enhance the typically intense physical presentation of the play. People also took notice of his choice of content - a satiric commentary on society that explores eternal human foibles and obsessions. Not surprisingly the plays had many detractors. His study of religious hypocrisy, Tartuffe, for example, was denounced by the church and proscribed by Parliament after its premiere in 1664. The play was revised twice, but the ban was not lifted until 1669.



On February 17, 1673, Molière suffered a hemorrhage while playing the role of the hypochondriac Argan in The Imaginary Invalid. He had insisted on going through with the performance in spite of the advice of his wife and friends. Moliere said, "There are fifty poor workers who have only their daily wage to live on. What will become of them if the performance does not take place?" He passed away later that night at his home on the Rue Richelieu. The local priests refused to take his confession, for actors had no social standing and had been excommunicated by the church. Nor would they permit him to be buried in holy ground. Four days later, the King interceded and Molière was finally buried in the Cemetery Saint Joseph under the cover of darkness.












Lon Winston, Artistic Director
Thunder River Theatre Company

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