By Cal Lutheran News(THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF. — Oct. 24, 2024) The French playwright Molière mocked bourgeois pretentiousness and the medical profession over 350 years ago in “The Doctor in Spite of Himself.” These timeless themes shine through in California Lutheran University’s Theatre and Dance Department student production. Premiering Nov. 7, the play runs through Nov. 17, with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee. Performances are in the Black Box Studio Theatre on the California Lutheran University campus.
“Molière is considered one of the great classical playwrights and one of the most controversial,” said Director Kenneth Gardner, MFA, Cal Lutheran drama professor, adding that Cal Lutheran produces a classical play every four years. “He often poked fun at major institutions such as religion, society and, in the case of this play, the medical profession.”
Described as a slapstick farce, “The Doctor in Spite of Himself” follows the antics of Sganarelle, a lazy woodcutter who, in a twist of fate, becomes a “doctor.” He tricks Géronte, a pretentious, wealthy socialite, while reuniting his daughter with her forbidden lover.
The ensemble cast includes Cal Lutheran students Michael Richardson as Sganarelle;Emilia Brewer, Martine; Troy Martinez, Monsieur Robert; and Stephen Johnston playing Géronte. Cal Lutheran student Zoe Monge designed the elaborate costumes based on Commedia d’elle arte characters.
“The Doctor in Spite of Himself” is at 8 p.m. Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16. A special 2 p.m. matinee will be on Nov. 17.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/DoctorInSpiteofHimself. The event is free for Cal Lutheran students, faculty and staff with an ID. Cal Lutheran is located at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks.
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About California Lutheran University: Founded in 1959 and federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution since 2016, California Lutheran University is home to over 2,200 undergraduate and 1,000 graduate students. Our students come from 58 countries and represent many faiths and spiritualities. Our dedicated, accomplished faculty teach in small classes, guiding our students as they grow into open-minded leaders who are strong in character and judgment, confident in identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Everyone at Cal Lutheran is committed to helping students pursue their passions, discover their purpose and transform their communities. Learn more at CalLutheran.edu.
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