L'Amour Médecin

L'Amour Médecin ("Dr. Cupid" or "Love is the doctor") is a French comedy written by Molière (1622–1673)[1], with music by Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632–1687)[2].

The original text

Written as an impromptu, commissioned for one of the Royal Entertainments, it was first presented at Versailles in September, 1665. Published in Paris in 1666.

Adaptations and translations

There are a number of titles for what appears to be a Dutch adaptation of the play in combination with scenes from Le Médecin Malgré Lui. For example by Fielebout, of de Dokter tegen Dank (by an anonymous writer) was published in 1780, and Klaos Pompernikkel, of Den Doktor tegen Wil en Dank (also by an anonymous author) was published in Mastreeg, 1856.

In South Africa the title Jantje Puk, of Den Doctor tegen Wil en Dank is apparently a similar text, only mentioned by F.C.L. Bosman (1928: p. 340), as a performance in 1838.

See Le Médecin Malgré Lui

Performance history in South Africa

Presented in English, entitled Love's the Best Doctor, by CAPAB Drama as a curtain raiser to The Misanthrope at the Nico Malan Theatre, Cape Town, opening 18 March 1977, directed by Robin Lake. The cast: David Crichton (Sganarelle), Helen Bourne (Lucinde), Philip Godawa (Clitandre; Mr Guillaume), Rika Sennett (Aminte), Pippa Dyer (Lucrèce; Dr Bahys), Lois Butlin (Lisette), Neville Thomas (Mr Josse; A Notary), Roger Dwyer (Dr Tomés), John Whiteley (Dr Des-Fonandrés), Peter Krummeck (Dr Macrotin), Peter Cartwright (Dr Filerin). Set and costumes designed by David Crichton. Lighting by John T. Baker.