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Fad diets and HMOs, health care debates and television dramas -- even the quackiest of observers can diagnose the symptoms of our national obsession with health. What better time, then, for an all-new production of "The Imaginary Invalid," Jean-Baptiste Molière's rollicking spoof of doctors and the medical profession?
The Performing Arts Department (PAD) in Arts & Sciences will present a new translation and adaptation of the French classic on the Edison Theatre mainstage at 8 p.m. March 31 and April 1, with a matinee at 3 p.m. April 2. Performances continue the following week at 8 p.m. April 7 and 8, with a matinee at 3 p.m. April 9.
"The Imaginary Invalid" tells the story of Argan, an aging hypochondriac who, in search of free medical attention, attempts to wed his daughter Angelique to the bungling doctor Thomas. Angelique, however, loves the young Cleante and resists her father's plan with the help of Beralde, her level-headed uncle, and Toinette, the outspoken maid. Using little more than wit, humor and a fair degree of trickery, the trio conspires to rid Argan of his foolish ideas on the equally difficult, deceptive and arcane fields of medicine and marriage.
"I think health concerns are in the air right now," said William Whitaker, PAD artist-in-residence, who directs the 18-member cast. "Diets, political debates, St. John's Wort -- I think we have a perpetual desire to find a cure for mortality, which is, of course, exactly what Molière lampoons."
Whitaker, himself the son of a surgeon, also pointed out that "The Imaginary Invalid" was Molière's final play and initially starred the playwright himself as the phlegmatic Argan. However, the author took sick with a coughing fit during only the fourth performance and died soon after the curtain fell.
"As funny and lighthearted as the play is, there is a darker, more serious side as well," Whitaker noted. "He probably started writing it because he had that cough and it's what he'd be able to play as an actor. And I think he was of two minds about medicine -- on the one hand, he wants to believe in the possibility of healing, but there's also this existential voice that tells him to let nature take its course."
The new translation is a collaborative effort between Whitaker and Paul Azzara, a teacher with the Alliance Fran¨aise in St. Louis. Whitaker first approached Azzara about the project last summer.
"Paul seemed ideal for the work," Whitaker recalled. "He has a terrific sense of humor, he loves the theater and he shares my enthusiasm for Molière. Luckily for me, he agreed to do it."
The new production also features an original score by St. Louis composer Jeff Noonan and original choreography by Christine O'Neal, artist in residence and director of the PAD's ballet program. The set design is by Christopher Pickart, artist in residence, with costumes by Bonnie Kruger, senior artist in residence.
Tickets are $10 for the general public and $8 for senior citizens and Washington University faculty, staff and students. Tickets are available at the Edison Theatre Box Office, 935-6543, and at all MetroTix outlets, 534-1111. For more information, call 935-5858.
