Actor, author to lead workshops, perform Molière monologues

Actor and author Tim Mooney will visit Northwest Missouri State University, Friday, September 9 and Saturday, September 10 for a pair of workshops and an evening performance described as “a wild romp through Moliere’s most hilarious monologues.”

The performance is free and open to the public. The workshops are open to Northwest students and faculty. Mooney will perform “Moliere Than Thou” at 7:30 pm, Saturday, September 10 at the Studio Theatre in the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts.

“This opportunity may be of particular interest to any students studying Shakespeare, French, French history, theater history, those interested in theater or acting, or anyone who just wants to have a fun night at the theater,” Katheryn Bilbo, assistant professor of theatre and performance, said.

In the course of his 85-minute one-man play, Mooney seduces his audience with a complexity of language that is a sensual delight. Parading through the best loved plays of France’s history, “Molière Than Thou” reinvigorates Renaissance theater, the court of Louis XIV and the vision that generated some of the most beloved plays of all time.

Mooney’s work with Molière goes well beyond his celebrated, manic performance of 10 monologues. Mooney has re-written 15 of Molière’s plays in their entirety, bringing a dexterity of English speech to the works, which were dazzling in their original French.

Additionally, Mooney will lead two workshops, “Conquering Theatrical Style: Making Convention More Than Reality” at 1 pm, Friday, September 9 and “Shakespeare’s Jukebox” at 1 pm, Saturday, September 10, both in the Studio Theatre.

During “Conquering Theatrical Style,” Mooney will share exercises and games from his new book, “Acting at the Speed of Life: Conquering Theatrical Style.”

“Shakespeare’s Jukebox” features Mooney prying apart secrets that hide behind Shakespeare’s words to uncover passion and hilarity.