In this contemporary reimagining of Molière’s The Misanthrope, a brilliant novelist named Alice confronts the cultural imperatives of kindness and respect. As she speaks her uncompromising truths, her professional and personal relationships begin to unravel, illuminating the tension between integrity and societal expectation.

The production features award-winning actor Sandra Oh in the title role, joined by Paul Chahidi and Abigail Cruttenden. The adaptation is by playwright Martin Crimp, known for his reworkings and original plays including Cyrano de Bergerac (adapted) and Attempts on Her Life, and is directed by Indhu Rubasingham, the National Theatre’s artistic director whose credits include The Father and the Assassin.

Presented by the National Theatre at its Lyttelton Theatre in London, this staging places a 17th-century comedy of manners in dialogue with contemporary cultural debates. The creative team also includes Robert Jones (set and costume design), Tim Lutkin (lighting), Anna Meredith (music), and Alexander Caplen (sound).