The Imaginary Invalid

Jean Baptiste Poquelin Molière

The Imaginary Invalid

Drama

The new SND building, Studio
25. 1. 2025 26. 1. 2025

Schedule of performances

Friday 24. 1. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
In sales
ABO: NČ1
Saturday 25. 1. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
Announced
Sunday 26. 1. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
Announced
Tuesday 28. 1. 2025
10:00 h 12:00 h
Sold out
Sunday 2. 2. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
In sales
ABO: NČ2
Tuesday 4. 2. 2025
10:00 h 12:00 h
Sold out
Friday 14. 2. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
In sales
ABO: NČ3
Wednesday 12. 3. 2025
19:00 h 21:00 h
In sales
The Imaginary Invalid is an absurdist comedy about addiction to questionable medical practices. The idea of a miraculous cure-all that will solve all possible and impossible(!) problems has tempted mankind since time immemorial. Philosophers, physicians, charlatans, but especially patients, have gravitated to this idea. One does not have to be really sick to be obsessed with the need to heal. The fear of the disease can be more destructive than the disease itself. And one will do anything to feel relieved. Solution? An enema. The author, notorious for his derogatory attitude to the medicine of his time, chose it as a symbol of doctors, pharmacists and medicine as such. Since the play's origin, medical science has moved on, and people no longer have to undergo dubious practices with uncertain, if not outright destructive, effects. So why do they keep doing it? In the flood of conflicting information about optimal eating habits, the real causes of disease, and various treatments, a 21st-century man stumbles between a naive devotion to charlatans and an uncritical scepticism of medicine. This, after all, was also Molière's attitude, which, although it may seem a little short-sighted in the light of historical hindsight, is not irrelevant even today. In his last play, Molière does not spare doctors, their practices or medical science itself. It is a cruel twist of fate that it was during the performance of this play that he had a coughing fit, which was fatal to him a few hours later.
 
The production is suitable for audiences aged 15 and over.
 
Running time is indicative, as the dress rehearsal is still due for the production.
 
Première January 25, 2025
 
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Production Team

Translation Jozef Felix
Stage Director Pavol Viecha
Stage Design Peter Čanecký
Costumes Design Dáša Kinik

Cast

Tónka, Argan’s maid Jana Oľhová
Angelika, Argan’s daughter Kamila Heribanová (as a guest)
Belina, Argan’s wife Jana Kovalčiková
Notary, Belina’s accomplice Daniel Žulčák
Klean, Angelika’s admirer Milan Ondrík
Mr Purgon, Argan’s doctor Gregor Hološka
Tomáš Purgon, his son Matej Babej (as a guest) Adrián Hudák (Student, Academy of Performing Arts)