Tartuffe

By Moliere
Thursday & Saturday, April 21 & 23, 2016, at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Matinee, April 24, 2016, at 3:00 p.m.

For millennia, theatre has been a principle means of showcasing man’s heroic nature, while exposing his tragic flaws. Since antiquity, theatre and dramatic literature have been rife with satire, providing a generally comedic platform for discourse on our ironic tendency toward self-serving extremes.

As we tumble headlong into a season of political punditry, positioning, and platitudes, what better diversion than one of theatre’s most deliciously scandalous and salacious plays, by arguably the greatest satirist to ever put quill to paper? Theatre at Barton is pleased to present Tartuffe, by Moliere!

Moliere, born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, premiered Tartuffe in 1664. The resulting outcry from the Archbishop of France closed down the theatre instantly. Only the intercession of King Louis XIV kept Moliere from imprisonment and excommunication.

This bold “sit-com” depicts a well-heeled family, split over the nature of their guest, a priggish, pious, pretender, whose sanctimony is suspect. Exposing this hypocrite for what he is takes cunning and risk, but can it be done before all is lost? You’ll have to come and see for yourself!

This outstanding play provides a wonderful opportunity for both actor and audience to gain exposure to classical, renaissance literature; to recognize that, in our media-rich world, many of the most entertaining and satisfying stories remain simple reflections of the human condition, constant through the centuries.

We invite you to join us and share in this remarkable event … though you may be risking imprisonment and excommunication!