Showing:
November 9 & 10 - 8PM
November 11 -2PM - Sunday Matinee
November 15 - 10:30AM - High School Matinee
November 16 & 17 - 8PM
Ticket Prices $5 - $8
From the 1660's, one of the great comedies of the French Theatre has been translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur.
Tartuffe was first performed for King Louis XIV of France in 1664. Although favorably received by the King, the play was banned from public performance due to the strong objections of influential church leaders who considered the play an attack on the very foundations of religion. The Tartuffe controversy constituted the most intriguing and public scandal of the day, involving the monarchy, the church and the arts. Throughout the ban, the play enjoyed great popularity. Because of the scandal, Molière was often invited to give private showings of the play at upper-class salons. Molière resubmitted the play in 1667. Again, it was banned. Finally, after more revisions, the ban was lifted in 1669 and Molière enjoyed the most successful public run of any of his plays. Tartuffe is considered to be Molière’s masterwork and one of the great dramas of western literature.
Is this a work that condemns religious belief? I don’t think so. I am struck by the encouragement of the play to cultivate true devotion, sincere commitment and humble faith. We have chosen to give this production a traditional treatment with period costumes, properties, hairstyles, etc. That does not mean, however, this play is merely an object lesson from an important event in history with no contemporary relevance. Sadly, one doesn’t have to look far into contemporary headlines to find that there are still charlatans cloaking personal agendas in religious language. Through wit and laughter, Molière urges us to avoid hypocrisy and consider the true meaning of spiritual devotion. Enjoy.
Gary Wayne Barker, Director