The Misanthrope: in a version by Martin Crimp - Tapa blanda

A reworking of Moliere's comic play. Alceste abhors hypocrisy and the well-rehearsed, sycophantic pleasantries of the chattering classes. He tells the truth, even it hurts. Alceste is in love with Jennifer (Celimene), but thinks she's in love with a theatre critic who thinks he can write plays.

Moliere (1622-73) was born Jean Poquelin, the son of a prosperous upholsterer of Paris. His father was attached to the service of the King and Moliere was intended to succeed him. However, in 1643 he changed his surname and joined a family of actors, the Bejarts. Encouraged by their touring success the group returned to Paris and performed in front of Louis XIV and his Court. The success of Moliere's farce Le Docteur Amoureux gave the group the opportunity to share a theatre at the Petit- Bourbon with an Italian company, and here Moliere's reputation was established. His other plays include L'Ecole des Femmes (1662), Don Juan (1665), Tartuffe (written 1664, produced 1667), Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme (1671), Les Femmes Savantes (1673) and Le Malade Imaginaire (1673).