Korda Productions

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Molière's The Learned Ladies

It's a well-known rule ...

The Learned Ladies, by Molière Translated by Richard Wilbur Produced by Tracey Atin Directed by Jeff Marontate Set Design by Daniel Nolin Costume Design by Kelly Ridley Properties by Raven Ridley Lighting Design by Tom Savage Art and Scenic Direction by Daniel Nolin School Performances: Thu. March 10, 2005 @ 9:30 AM Fri. March 11, 2005 @ 9:30 AM Public Performances: Sat. March 12, 2005 @ 8 PM Sun. March 13, 2005 @ 2 PM All performances at the Capitol's Daniel Patrick Kelly Theatre

... that no fool's greater than a learnèd fool.

The Play

First performed in 1672 and as fresh and funny today as it was more than 3 centuries ago, The Learned Ladies is a brilliant mix of satire and farce. Chrysale, a weak-willed husband, finds his home turned into a salon for snobbery by his overbearing wife Philaminte, his pretentious daughter Armande and his delusional sister Belise, all of whom follow the teachings of a no-talent poet Trissotin. These "learned ladies" wish only to be educated in order to impose their opinions on all those around them, especially the members of their own household.

When Philaminte decides to marry her youngest daughter Henriette against her will to the hack poet Trissotin, Chrysale must overcome his fear of his wife and find a way to stop the marriage.

Written in fast-paced, witty verse and flawlessly translated by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Richard Wilbur, The Learned Ladies is guaranteed to entertain and delight.