I was excited to see that the Almeida in London is staging Moliére's classic farce 'The Hypochondriac'. We have just been studying Moliére's doctor plays in the Literature and Medicine MA at King's, on which I am a student. Doctors are relentlessly pilloried in Moliére as being ineffectual and money-grabbing. Our tutor, Neil Vickers, has it that it is a thesis for the Renaissance theme of the triumph of the grandeur of nature over learning (epitomised by medicine). The London production runs from 17 November to 7 January: more information here. Coincidentally, the Belgrade theatre in Coventary is also showing a new version of the play, running from 7 to 19 November. Their website has a 'hypochondriac game' which seems to involve 'shooting' as many patients as possible. Hmm...Also attracting attention is the documentary film 'Murderball' about wheelchair rugby. The film has been acclaimed for its unpatronising attitude to disability. Reviews here, here and where to see it in London, here.
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