Danielle Cormack Stars In Bell Shakespeare's THE MISANTHROPE

Award-winning actress Danielle Cormack is set to star in The Misanthrope, a new Australian version of the hilarious 17th century comedy by French playwright Molière.

Set against the backdrop of the Australian music industry, this is Molière with a twist, as Cormack (Rake, Wentworth) takes on the title role - traditionally played by a man - of the savvy, sophisticated misanthrope who rejects the superficiality of society.

Presented by Bell Shakespeare in association with Griffin Theatre Company, this version of The Misanthrope has been given the 21st century polish of Australian playwright Justin Fleming (The Literati, Tartuffe).

Joining Cormack on stage will be Simon Burke, Catherine Davies, Ben Gerrard, Rebecca Massey, Hamish Michael and Anthony Taufa.

Director Lee Lewis describes the play as a glorious satire of polite society; a comedy of manners - without the manners.

"It's really a story about how a misanthrope is made, not born. And how as a society we are responsible for driving some of our best people into fury and despair. This is a play set in the now, featuring a female misanthrope - a woman calling out for honesty. This will be a classic play pushed to courageous places," she said.

The production will be the third time Griffin's Artistic Director Lee Lewis works with talented Australian playwright, Justin Fleming for Bell Shakespeare on a Molière play following the success of The Literati in 2016 and The School For Wives in 2012. Bell Shakespeare also presented Fleming's Tartuffe in 2014, directed by Peter Evans, to critical and popular acclaim.

Peter Evans, Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director said, "Bell Shakespeare has staged a number of Molière's works over the years, written by the formidable talent, Justin Fleming. For audiences, these are pockets of delight - fun and fabulous versions of the original plays crafted to entertain and amuse. As France's answer to Shakespeare, Molière's works are too enticing not to programme."

The Misanthrope plays at the Sydney Opera House from 28 August - 28 September 2018.