INTERVIEW: Sahr Ngaujah heads outdoors for Molière classic
Photo: The Imaginary Invalid stars Mary Bacon and Sahr Ngaujah. Photo courtesy of Russ Rowland / Provided by DARR Publicity with permission.
Sahr Ngaujah, the accomplished actor of Fela! and Moulin Rouge! fame, is currently performing in Molière’s classic comedy-ballet The Imaginary Invalid. The production, which continues through May 25 and is directed/translated by Lucie Tiberghien, is part of the Molière in the Park series, with performances running at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, according to press notes. Admission is free.
This particular show is a special one in Molière’s canon of works. The Imaginary Invalid was actually the final show the French playwright created and dives deep into many serious issues, including the fear of disease. Still, the work is comedic in that uncanny way Molière is able to garner laughs from life’s difficult situations.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Ngaujah about his new role. In addition to his Broadway credits, the Tony-nominated actor is known for Marvel’s Luke Cage, Master Harold … and the Boys at Signature Theatre and Mlima’s Tale at The Public. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Before joining this project, how familiar were you with the work of Molière?
I’ve been familiar with Molière since I was around 15 years old, thanks to Del Hamilton and Faye Allen of 7 Stages Theatre in Atlanta — where I got my start on the professional stage under the tutelage of Freddie Hendricks. From the 1980s through the early 2000s, 7 Stages was the hub of international theatre in Atlanta, particularly known for its commitment to the Theatre of the Absurd tradition. I was a member of the resident youth company there — looong ago!
During those early years, however, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of Molière’s work in France during his lifetime — or the timeless nature of his plays and why they continue to resonate. Now, it’s incredible to observe how his 400-year-old works still speak to us today, especially in this burgeoning Age of AI.
What are the challenges and opportunities of performing outside?
In Brooklyn, over 200 languages are spoken, and 50 percent of all households speak a language other than English at home. For context, Chicago is the third-largest city in the U.S. with 2,665,039 people — yet over 2.7 million people live in Brooklyn alone. Prospect Park, at 526 acres, is the second-largest park in Brooklyn. Its flora and fauna are bountiful, and the Molière in the Park company experiences them firsthand on stage and during daily rehearsals. Birdsong is a natural addition to the soundscape of our performances. In fact, I even removed a lost baby turtle from the stage mid-show a couple of days ago!
It’s refreshing to offer professional storytelling to the thousands of individuals and communities who use the park daily for myriad reasons. It’s absolutely fascinating to see how enthralled such diverse groups of people are by a comedic drama written around the time of New York City’s founding — 400 years ago.
Some people sit in the designated audience area. Many others watch from the outlook on the building’s roof or from nearby picnic tables. The most typical challenges involve the elements — rain, pollen, bugs, sirens and booming speakers. At one performance, there were children playing on one side, a South Asian wedding on another, and a quinceañera celebration happening nearby — all among the usual, potential distractions.
Fortunately, we have an excellent sound system (and sound team). And our audiences — whether from another borough or another planet — seem remarkably adept at tuning out distractions and focusing their attention where they choose.
How funny is this show? Do the laughs come easy?
I’ve heard a great deal of laughter during our recent performances. Some moments almost always get a response, which I think speaks to Molière’s brilliance. What I find especially intriguing is how each audience, though diverse, has its own distinctive character. As a result, I’m constantly surprised by the differences in what different groups find collectively funny.
We were directed to tell the story truthfully — based on what each character is genuinely experiencing. If that comes across as funny, so be it. If not, that’s fine too. For many people, life is not a joke.
What’s it like to work with director Lucie Tiberghien?
It’s an absolute pleasure working with Lucie. I have deep appreciation and respect for what she’s brought not just to Brooklyn, but to all of New York City by founding and sustaining Molière in the Park since 2018.
This is my first time working with MIP. I personally know some fabulous actors who’ve worked with the company in the past, and I’m so grateful to now be part of the incredible team — on and off stage — that Lucie has assembled for The Imaginary Invalid.
Speaking a bit in shorthand: Lucie’s years of immersion in Molière’s work make for dynamic table sessions. On the rehearsal floor, she is equal parts gracious in receiving ideas, generous in discussing options, tenacious in searching for answers and surgically precise in bringing everything together. In other words, she’s a great director — with a unique and effective style.
Do you miss your Moulin Rouge! Broadway family?
I will always miss my Moulin Rouge! Broadway family and community. When I speak to young people, especially here in NYC, I sometimes point to Manhattan’s skyscrapers. They are so massive and seem so permanent, they can feel elemental, like distant canyons or cliffs soaring into the sky. And yet each of them began in someone’s imagination — someone who eats, sleeps, wears clothes and uses the toilet. But also dreams. Believes. And doesn’t give up.
How do we know this is true? Because there must have been countless moments when it seemed like it wasn’t going to happen — like the plan was falling apart, or it was too difficult or exhausting to continue. And yet, there they stand, their peaks kissing the sky.
Building Moulin Rouge! Broadway was a huge push, over several years. I will always cherish the team that shed blood, sweat and sleep to bring the production to market for the world premiere and Broadway debut. And hats off to the countless teams across the globe who continue sharing that dream with audiences every night. Imagination is the key.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Molière in the Park’s The Imaginary Invalid, starring Sahr Ngaujah, continues through May 25 at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Admission is free. Click here for more information and tickets.
