The Doctor In Spite of Himself

This is a modern, American English translation of the classic French farce. You will find that this version is fresh and accessible for modern audiences while keeping the spirit of the original. The Doctor In Spite of Himself is a classic farce in the spirit of the Italian commedia dell'arte. Martine, the wife of Sganarelle, a simple woodcutter, seeks revenge against her husband. So, she convinces Valere and Lucas, who are looking for a doctor to cure their boss's daughter, that Sganarelle is a real doctor. But, she tells them, he will deny this unless they beat him until he admits it. They beat him several times until finally he does admit that he is, indeed a doctor. Then they are off to cure the hapless Lucinda, who is pretending to be mute. There are 8 male roles, 3 female roles, and 2 extras. Some doubling is possible. This translation has been performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where it was enthusiastically received.


About the Author
Harold Dixon, translator Dr. Dixon is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of the School of Theatre, Film & Television at the University of Arizona, where the Harold Dixon Directing Studio is named for him. He was also the founding artistic director of the Arizona Repertory Theatre, where he directed over 50 shows, including Tartuffe, The Diary of Anne Frank, Measure For Measure, The Merchant of Venice, Candide, Kiss Me Kate, Carousel, The Kentucky Cycle, Nicholas Nickelby, and the Cider House Rules. As a director, he has also worked Off Broadway (92nd St. Y), at the Kennedy Center, Gloucester Stage Company, Phoenix Theatre, and Invisible Theatre, Tucson. As an actor, he has appeared Off Broadway (92nd St. Y, Kirk Theatre), and in the first national tour of Ella (as Ella Fitzgerald's manager, Norman Granz). Regional theatres: Ella at 20 theatres, including the Guthrie, Long Wharf, Pittsburgh Public, Hartford Stage, Cincinnati Playhouse, Arena Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Laguna Playhouse, and Arizona Theatre Company. Other shows at: Gloucester Stage, Phoenix Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, Arizona Repertory Theatre, and Invisible Theatre. He has also appeared in many films and television shows. Member of Actors Equity Association, Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. His translation of Moliere's Tartuffe is also available on amazon.com