"The Doctor in Spite of Himself" Prescribes Laughter

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. - Oct. 28, 2024 - PRLog -- The French playwright Molière mocked bourgeois pretentiousness and the medical profession over 350 years ago in "The Doctor in Spite of Himself (https://www.callutheran.edu/calendar/event/6168)." These timeless themes shine through in California Lutheran University's Theatre and Dance Department student production. Premiering Nov. 7, the play runs through Nov. 17, with performances Thursday through Saturday evenings and a Sunday matinee. Performances are in the Black Box Studio Theatre on the Cal Lutheran campus.

"Molière is considered one of the great classical playwrights and one of the most controversial," said Director Kenneth Gardner, MFA, Cal Lutheran drama professor, adding that Cal Lutheran produces a classical play every four years. "He often poked fun at major institutions such as religion, society and, in the case of this play, the medical profession."

Described as a slapstick farce, "The Doctor in Spite of Himself" follows the antics of Sganarelle, a lazy woodcutter who, in a twist of fate, becomes a "doctor." He tricks Géronte, a pretentious, wealthy socialite, while reuniting his daughter with her forbidden lover.

"The Doctor in Spite of Himself" is at 8 p.m. Nov. 7-9 and Nov. 14-16. A special 2 p.m. matinee will be on Nov. 17.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at https://bit.ly/DoctorInSpiteofHimself. The event is free for Cal Lutheran students, faculty and staff with an ID. Cal Lutheran is located at 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. https://www.callutheran.edu/