The Imaginary Invalid Opening Night & Benefit Performance!

Under the patronage of the Consul General of France, Mr. Cédrik Fouriscot & the Cultural Counselor of France, Mr. Mohamed Bouabdallah

Honoring Marie-Monique Steckel, President Emerita, L'Alliance New York

6PM: Cocktails and Buffet
7:30PM: Performance (runtime: 100 minutes, no intermission)
9:30PM: Opening Night Party

Dress Code: Festive Chic

Marie-Monique Steckel is a respected executive and cultural leader with a career spanning politics, telecommunications and non-profit management. She served as President of the French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF, now L’Alliance New York), from 2004 to 2022 where she transformed the institution into a destination for French culture, language and contemporary arts. Earlier in her career, she was the National Director of Communications for Jacque Chirac’s newly created political party. She currently is advisor to the renovation of the La Pagode, an iconic cinema in Paris.

Steckel’s significant contributions have earned her numerous honors from the French Government, including Officier de la Legion d’Honneur, Officier de l’Ordre du Mérite and Officier des Arts et Lettres.

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About The Imaginary Invalid

Argan is ill. But is he?
Argan is dying. But aren’t we all?
Argan wants absolute control. But is that ever achievable?
After a series of upside down attempts to snap him out of it, a solution is found. But will it save him?

The Imaginary Invalid is the last play that legendary French playwright Molière wrote and was originally conceived as a Comedy-Ballet where theater, dance, and music are intertwined. Gravely ill while writing and performing this play, Molière explores the fear of disease and the exploitation it breeds through his infinitely humorous dialogue and in-your-face satire.

Molière in the Park’s production will feature original choreography by FlexN dancer Cal Hunt and original music by cellist Johnathan Moore. “We look forward to presenting a 21st century American version of this 17th century French comedy-ballet,” says Lucie Tiberghien, director and translator. “Our production of The Imaginary Invalid will double down on the intention that fueled its original creation: to entertain, spread joy, and reaffirm a central belief of Molière’s legacy: Far from being harmless, art and entertainment can cure many ailments.”

Cast

Creative

Director and Translator — Lucie Tiberghien
Choreographer and Dancer — Cal Hunt
Composer and Cellist — Johnathan Moore
Line Producer — Molly FitzMaurice
Set Design — Marie Yokoyama
Lighting Design — Stoli Stolnack
Costume Design — Jessica Irvin
Graphic Design — Katya Kirillova
Production Stage Manager — Deanna Kahn

Produced by Molière in the Park in partnership with Prospect Park Alliance.

"Performing arts have the power to connect us all and build community in remarkable ways, and Molière in the Park’s mission to make theater accessible to all Brooklynites does exactly that," said Prospect Park Alliance President, Morgan Monaco. "As the stewards of Prospect Park, we at the Alliance work to ensure that all in our community feel welcome and know that the park is a place where they can thrive, find joy and foster community. This makes our partnership with Molière in the Park such a natural one, and we are excited to welcome our community to the park for another beloved season of free theater in our green oasis."

About Molière in the Park

Moliere in the Park (MIP) brings people of all backgrounds together through free access to outdoor theatrical experiences of the highest professional quality. Since 2019, MIP has brought free performances to Prospect Park, as well as other beloved Brooklyn institutions such as Brooklyn Public Library and BRIC. The company’s productions center around the work of legendary French playwright Molière, whose plays, when produced through an inclusive and contemporary lens, are relatable and explore the human condition in ways that promote generosity of spirit, foster unity over division, and spread joy. The mission of Molière in the Park is to foster empathy and unity within the diverse communities in Brooklyn through the arts. Learn more at www.moliereinthepark.org.

About Prospect Park Alliance

Prospect Park Alliance is the non-profit organization that sustains, restores and advances Prospect Park, Brooklyn's Backyard, in partnership with the City of New York. The Alliance provides critical staff and resources that keep the park green and vibrant for the diverse communities that call Brooklyn home. The Alliance cares for the woodlands and natural areas; restores the park’s buildings and landscapes; creates new park destinations; and provides free or low-cost volunteer, education and recreation programs. Through the work of the Alliance, Prospect Park is an international model for the care of urban parks, and one of the premier green spaces in the United States. Learn more at www.prospectpark.org.