The Misanthrope

De: Molière, Richard Wilbur - translator

Narrado por: Brian Bedford, J. D. Cullum, Sarah Drew, Martin Jarvis, Darren Richardson, Susan Sullivan, Nick Toren

This timeless comedy of manners is considered one of Molière's most probing and mature works. While it's still an exemplar of 17th century farce, Molière went beyond his usual comic inventiveness to create a world of rich, complex characters, especially in the cynical title character Alceste, played here by the Tony Award-winning actor Brian Bedford.

Includes an interview with Larry F. Norman author of The Public Mirror: Molière and the Social Commerce of Depiction.

Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in June 2012.

Lead funding for this production was made possible with support by the Sidney E. Frank Foundation.

Directed by Rosalind Ayres

Producing Director Susan Albert Loewenberg

An L.A. Theatre Works full-cast performance featuring:

Brian Bedford as Alceste

JD Cullum as Clitandre

Sarah Drew as Eliante

Martin Jarvis as Philinte

Darren Richardson as Basque, Du Bois

Susan Sullivan as Arsinoe

Nick Toren as Oronte

Matt Wolf as Acaste, Guard

Bellamy Young as Celimene

Associate Producer: Christina Montaño. Recording Engineer, Sound Designer, Mixer: Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood. Stage Manager, Michael Rhea.

Public Domain (P)2013 L.A. Theatre Works

Very Amusing

Richard Wilbur's translation is modern without being jarring . The couplets are witty, sure to bring a smile to lit-nerds.

Moliere's 15-year Baby Born Fully Matured

What made the experience of listening to The Misanthrope the most enjoyable?

Great play. Great recording with dynamic use of sound and fine dramatic narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Misanthrope?

Alcest's showdown with his lady.

Which character – as performed by the narrators – was your favorite?

Alcest

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Just add Cabernet?

Good play, great translation, good performance

I recommend this item. This play is significant in the history of classical French literature and indeed in the history of Western lit. The translation by Richard Wilbur is nothing short of excellent. It is in rhyming verse, which makes it more entertaining. Other great playwrights like the Bard used rhyming verse only occasionally. Also, this play goes to the heart of something inherent in human nature. In everyone, perhaps, there is a tendency to want to tell the truth, even when it might hurt or offend or insult others, but also a tendency to be diplomatic and polite and keep one's truth to oneself. This is one of my favourite plays in all the repertoire.