THE MISANTHROPE                 Jenkins Theatre

By Molière
Translated by Richard Wilbur
Directed by Elizabeth Parks

March 3-5 and March 9-11, 2023

Outraged by the empty flattery and dishonesty of men, Alceste declares he will speak
only truth—no matter who it may offend. Philinte counsels him to temper his rashness,
but Alceste claims he can no longer tolerate the two-faced conventions of the world.
Ironically, Alceste is enamored with Celimène, whose malicious tongue and unceasing
flirtations make her the embodiment of everything Alceste professes to loathe. Upon
discovering Celimène’s scathing commentary on her lovers, Alceste rejects her affection
and declares that he will renounce the world and seek a place where honesty can
still flourish. As the curtain falls, however, he is advised to accept for the best what
cannot be changed for the better.

“One of the masterpieces of comic theatre…” – The Hudson Review