Summer Theater: "The Imaginary Invalid" by Molière

A satirical comedy with the theme “The Old Town of Tomorrow”

The Working Group of Cities with Historische Stadtkerne and theater 89 invite you to a special evening of theater in Angermünde. Under the theme “The Old Town of Tomorrow,” theater 89 will stage Molière’s satirical comedy *The Imaginary Invalid*. This well-known play combines humorous entertainment with timely questions about care, responsibility, critical thinking, and social cohesion.

“The Imaginary Invalid”: Molière’s Classic with a Timely Message

“The Imaginary Invalid” is one of the most famous plays by the French playwright Jean-Baptiste Molière. Although the comedy is over 350 years old, it remains surprisingly relevant to this day. The play shows how fear, blind obedience to authority, and a lack of critical thinking can influence people—themes that are also significant for the future of Historische Stadtkerne and community life in the old towns of tomorrow.

Plot: Argan, the Doctors, and the Fear of Illness

The comedy centers on Argan. He believes he is seriously ill, even though his ailments stem primarily from his imagination. The doctors he consults reinforce his belief—though less out of genuine concern than out of self-interest. They exploit Argan’s fear to sell him overpriced and unnecessary treatments.

Argan’s trust in doctors goes so far that he wants to marry his daughter off to a doctor against her will. With plenty of wit and satirical edge, *The Imaginary Invalid* shows how the fear of illness can itself make one sick.

Critical Thinking and Social Cohesion

This evening of theater invites us to view Molière’s comedy as a mirror reflecting contemporary social issues. How do we deal with responsibility and care? Whom do we trust? And what role do critical thinking and a sense of community play in our coexistence?

In line with the theme “The Old Town of Tomorrow,” the play highlights the importance of solidarity, responsibility, and active participation—values that are just as important for vibrant Historische Stadtkerne as they are for society as a whole.

About Molière and His Last Work

Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière, was born in Paris on January 15, 1622, and died there on February 17, 1673. He was an actor, theater director, and playwright, and is considered one of Europe’s most important comedy writers.

Through his works, Molière elevated comedy to a theatrical form on par with tragedy. His theater became a venue for exploring human behavior, social roles, and power dynamics.

Theatrical Tradition Between the Marketplace and the Stage

Molière’s work was strongly influenced by the Italian Commedia dell’Arte. Since the late 16th century, this theatrical form had brought actors, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and jugglers to the streets and marketplaces, where they vied for the audience’s attention with humor, physical comedy, and music.

“The Imaginary Invalid” also draws on this theatrical tradition: pace, comedy, exaggeration, and a direct impact on the audience. In the first few performances, Molière himself played the lead role of Argan. During the fourth performance, he suffered a hemorrhage and died a few hours later.

Invitation to a Night at the Theater

Look forward to an evening of satirical comedy with theater 89 and Molière’s classic *The Imaginary Invalid*. The play combines humorous entertainment with a timeless message about health, fear, responsibility, and solidarity—making it a particularly fitting fit for the theme “The Old Town of Tomorrow.”