Summary

Misanthrope (mis-uhn-throhp), n. one who hates humankind.

Alceste is an impassioned advocate of complete honesty in all human interactions, a trait that gets him into trouble in the hypocritical, deceitful society in which he moves. More amazingly, it does not prevent him from falling in love with a woman who fully embodies everything he claims he despises. The conflict of head versus heart is the center of this play, but our production will also explore the striking parallels between Alceste’s age and our own and will feature a set and lights designed by our new faculty scenic designer, Pavel Dobrusky. The Misanthrope is one of Molière’s greatest works, a sophisticated dramatic comedy with laughs galore that still resonates powerfully with our hype- and spin-dominated culture.

Director: Dr. Paul Lifton