Imagining the Imaginary Invalid
About the show
Mabou Mines presents this metatheatrical story of a theatre company struggling to put on Molière’s seminal play about the evils of the medical industry. More…
'Imagining the Imaginary Invalid' takes you backstage as the cast prepares the set and tries to rehearse scenes from the play amidst personal discussions about money, medicine, politics, loss and the nature of inspiration. As the audience watches the action unfold in layers, ballets spontaneously spring out of costume fittings, scenes devolve into arguments about art, money, and health and the performers struggle to create something in the wake of the loss of a leading player.
"A large-cast elegy with laughter, loosely remixed from Molière’s play 'The Imaginary Invalid'...Ms. Maleczech, the mother of this production’s director and choreographer, Clove Galilee, was 74 when she died. Going on without Ms. Maleczech is part of what 'Imagining the Imaginary Invalid' is about...This complex show seems still to be finding its form. Already it is beautiful, though: vigorous, funny and plaintive, an act of both perseverance and remembrance." Full Review
See it if you love Mabou Mines, avant garde work, dance theatre, plays about creative processes, you liked 10 out of 12
Don't see it if you like traditional plays, or are expecting straight Moliere.
See it if you like backstage shenanigans, dance, Moliere, smart stagecraft and Marylouise Burke (utterly charming). A love letter to art and family.
Don't see it if you want something mainstream and linear, you don't care about the history of the vibrant downtown NYC theatre scene.
See it if you like experimental, challenging theater. This unusual piece mixed Moliere's play w/contemporary real-life scenes about cancer treatment.
Don't see it if you want a straight-forward narrative. This piece is sprawling, w/a large cast (including dancers). Perfect for La Mama. A touching evening
Also I'm catching up on old reviews. This piece was strong, especially with... Read more Read less
Cast & Creatives (19)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
