Don Juan takes Brooklyn! Free performances scheduled across the borough for 2026
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What is Don Juan about?
Don Juan is one of French literary legend Molière's most controversial and electrifying plays. It tells the story of a notorious seducer who relentlessly pursues romantic conquests, dismissing moral and social norms in the name of absolute freedom. In this bold exploration of desire, defiance, morality, and power, Molière paints a complex portrait of a character whose reckless pursuit of pleasure feels startlingly contemporary.
Molière in the Park's reimagining of this provocative play, translated by Stephen Wadsworth, will feature a live contemporary cello score by returning guest artist Johnathan Moore.
Why is the full production happening in September?
While MIP has traditionally presented its mainstage production in May, this year, for the first time, our performances will take place in late summer/early fall, due to expanded recreational programming at LeFrak Center at Lakeside. This shifts our season to September — a lovely time of year to experience live theater outdoors, and to connect with community in one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful settings.
Friday, August 14
Pop-up preview at Domino Square (Williamsburg)
Rain date: Saturday, August 15
Sat, Sept 5 - Sun, Sept 27
MIP's signature full production run at Prospect Park’s LeFrak Center at Lakeside
Saturday, September 5 : First Preview
Monday, September 14: Opening Night Benefit Performance
Team
Stephen Wadsworth
Stephen Wadsworth's translations and productions of plays by Marivaux introduced the playwright to American theater audiences in the 1990s. For his work on Marivaux and Molière, he was made a Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the government of France.
Translator
Lucie Tiberghien
A Brooklynite since 2001, Lucie has spent 15 years developing and directing new plays in New York City and all over the country. As a translator and adapter, Lucie’s work has been produced in Paris and in New York. Bringing free theater and the works of Molière to Brooklyn was a long time dream which she is thrilled has become a reality. In 2021, she was awarded the prestigious designation of chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Government.
Director
Molière
Molière is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and world literature of 17th century. At MIP, we believe that Molière’s iconic plays capture modern day Brooklyn: funny, gritty, progressive, disruptive, and embracing of all types of people. Through the lens of his stories, we see ourselves and others as imperfect and intertwined humans.
Playwright
Johnathan Moore
Johnathan Moore, a highly innovative cellist from New Haven, CT, has an unconventional approach to music. Johnathan achieved 1st Place in the Yale School of Music Solo Competition with his original composition. This recognition enabled Johnathan to collaborate with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra as a soloist, performing at Arts & Ideas Festival in New Haven, CT. Johnathan Moore has demonstrated his unorthodox style on the cello at various institutions, including the Guggenheim Museum, Alice Tully Hall, Symphony Space, FSU Maggie Allesee National Center for Choreography, & Molière in the Park.
Composer & Cellist
Cast
To be announced
We thank all our major supporters!
THIS PROGRAM IS SUPPORTED, IN PART, BY PUBLIC FUNDS FROM THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CITY COUNCIL. This program is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
Thank you to all of our donors, including: The Auchincloss Foundation, Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, The Evelyn Sharp Foundation, The Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The American Society of The French Legion of Honor, The Richenthal Foundation. Thomas Kail, Samira Wiley, Jon and Elizabeth Weiswasser, Stephan Haimo and Veronica Bulgari, Daniel Klingenstein, Paul and Alicia Brill, Puth Family Foundation, The Araca Group, Mary Vines, Anne Sophie de Villeroy and Bill and Judy Steul.
We wish to express our gratitude to the Performers’ Unions: ACTORS’ EQUITY ASSOCIATION, AMERICAN GUILD OF MUSICAL ARTISTS, AMERICAN GUILD OF VARIETY ARTISTS, SAG-AFTRA through Theatre Authority, Inc. for their cooperation in permitting the Artists to appear on this program.