The Robinson Theatre gets misanthropic Friday, when it opens one of Molière’s most enduring plays, “The Misanthrope.”
Director Jeffrey Mason said the main concern of “The Misanthrope” is the issue of conformity. It revolves around Alceste, a disillusioned man who decides to speak only the truth, no matter what the offense or consequence. Alceste eventually becomes enamored with Célimène, a coquette who embodies everything Alceste claims to protest. Mason said the theater department chose to mount the play because it was a challenge for both students and those
involved with the production.
“We are not always aware what we’re doing is artificial,” Mason said. “‘The Misanthrope’ deals with some very significant issues. It deals with hypocrisy and playing roles, how people are dealing with each other, how people are truthful and deceiving. It’s a comedy that has a real stern streak.”
Molière, a 17th century French playwright active during the reign of King Louis XIV, was the son of the king’s royal upholsterer. When he went into theater, he did so explicitly against the wishes of his father, and changed his name from Jean Baptiste Poquelin. According to Mason, Molière was at the height of his career between the 1660s and 1670s. He had his own theater company and served as actor, manager and playwright. “The Misanthrope” opened in 1666 to mixed reviews from the general public.
Mason noted the importance of being aware of the historical period in which Molière wrote.
“Molière was writing basically for Louis’ taste,” he said. “That’s sort of important to keep in mind because you have to ask ‘What would Louis think of this?’ King Louis ruled France with complete authority. He was the center of everything. The center of government, the center of culture. Louis set the tone.”
The play, written using rhyming couplets, has been imbued with a modern flavor due to costuming choices. The cast is adorned in contemporary dress designed by Alexandra Bonds (known by the cast as “Sandy”). Mason said this helps make it clear that the play’s content is “completely current, and not out of date.”
Oronte actor Ian Armstrong also complimented Bonds’ costume design.
“Magnificent costumes. I can’t say enough about the costumes,” Armstrong said. “What Sandy has done is taken period-style baroque and mixed it with today’s cutting-edge style. It kind of looks like a Las Vegas-France — stunning. It’s amazing to wear because it elevates you so much. It’s like going to the Oscars with something on.”
Theater arts major Leticia Maskell, who plays Célimène, said she first read “The Misanthrope” in high school and had been waiting to play the character since then.
“She’s very strong, she’s very feminine and very beautiful,” Maskell said. “She’s in complete control of everything she does. She runs these poor men into the ground and they still come back the next day. She has complete immunity from being in trouble for anything she does.”

Theater graduate student Elizabeth Helman, who plays the male role of Acaste, said the Célimène character has been shifted to a greater position of power.
“Molière wrote a really interesting script,” Helman said. “I think Jeff, the director, has made some interesting changes where the female lead is more knowing, and it turns out she’s the one in control, which I think is an interesting choice for our contemporary audience. You go back to Molière’s time, and she was sort of a pawn.”
The opening night performance will commence at 8 p.m. with the show running through April 26. The play runs near the 120-minute mark, with an intermission. A benefit screening for Sexual Assault Support Services is scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 13. Tickets are $12 for the general public, $9 for seniors and University faculty and $5 for University students. They are available at the EMU Ticket Office, the Hult Center for the Performing Arts, or the Robinson Theatre box office during performance evenings.