The Misanthrope

With its fierce argument between conformity and non-conformity, Molière’s masterpiece is reworked in this blistering contemporary version by Martin Crimp. Set in present London, playwright Alceste abhors hypocrisy and the well-rehearsed, sycophantic pleasantries of the chattering classes. But having savaged Covington – a theatre critic who thinks he can write plays – Alceste goes on to attack Jennifer, a young actress and the woman he really loves. His determination to tell the truth proves more destructive than others’ instinct to avoid it. The writing is cool, sharp and ferociously funny in this thrillingly sophisticated modern version of a classical play.