The Imaginary Invalid

About

The Imaginary Invalid (Le malade imaginaire) is a three-act comedie-ballet by French playwright Moliere, with music by Marc-Antoine Charpentier and choreography by Pierre Beauchamp. Premiering in 1673 at the Théâtre du Palais-Royal in Paris, The Imaginary Invalid tells the story of Argan, a man who pretends to be mentally retarded. With themes about deceit, downfall and redemption, the story's subject matter about an individual who fakes mental retardation can come off as heavy handed at times but Moliere's comedic wit ultimately manages to outshine the uncouth subject matter.