Molière in the Park Founder Lucie Tiberghien Argues Free Theatre Should Be Valued Like Public Parks
In an essay published on September 18, 2026, in American Theatre, Lucie Tiberghien, the founding executive director of Molière in the Park, contends that access to professional theatre should be as widespread as that of public parks. Since early September, Prospect Park has seen thousands attending free performances of Molière’s works. Established in 2018, Molière in the Park aims to offer professional theatre at no charge, as Tiberghien notes that increasing ticket prices restrict accessibility. She likens free theatre to public parks, emphasizing that quality requires funding. Tiberghien points out how Molière’s plays, such as the current Don Juan, promote self-awareness and joy among diverse audiences, advocating for the necessity of free access to quality art for community health.
Key facts
- Lucie Tiberghien is the founding executive director of Molière in the Park.
- Molière in the Park was founded in 2018.
- Since the beginning of September, thousands have gathered in Prospect Park to watch a Molière play.
- Tiberghien has directed the free outdoor productions for five years.
- The productions are offered free of charge, with the premise that everyone should have access to excellent theatre regardless of what they can afford.
- Tiberghien compares free theatre to free public parks, arguing that keeping a park free does not mean maintaining it costs nothing.
- Pierre Dux described Molière’s relevance as “ce comique profondément humain,” a profoundly human comedy.
- The current production is Don Juan, about a charming and privileged man convinced the rules do not apply to him.
Entities
Artists
- Lucie Tiberghien
- Molière
- Pierre Dux
Institutions
- Molière in the Park
- American Theatre
- Theatre Communications Group
Locations
- Prospect Park
- New York City
- United States
- Greece