The University of Mary Washington’s Department of Theatre and Dance will close its 2015-16 season with Tartuffe by Molière.
Performances will be April 7-9 and April 14-16 at 8 p.m., and April 10, 16, and 17 at 2 p.m. in Klein Theatre, located in duPont Hall on UMW’s Fredericksburg campus. A sign-interpreted performance will take place April 14 at 8 p.m. and Friday Night Out will be hosted on April 8. A post-show talkback with the cast, titled AfterWords, will take place after the matinee performance on April 10.
Tartuffe tells the story of its title character, a devious con man intent on swindling a wealthy family out of everything they own. Under the guise of a virtuous man, Tartuffe ingratiates himself with Orgon, the head of the household, and becomes his closest friend and confidant. Undeterred by Tartuffe’s false piety, the remaining family members see through his scheming ways, and hatch a plan to reveal his deception.
Originally written in 1664, Tartuffe was first staged at Les Plaisirs de l’île Enchantée, a multi-day festival at the Palace of Versailles. Shortly after the festivities, King Louis XIV banned the original version, as it was considered offensive by many members of French society. Three years later, a revised version titled L’Imposteur was presented in the Théâtre du Palais-Royal, where it was banned after one performance. In 1669, Molière presented his last revision, under the name Le Tartuffe, and was met with phenomenal success. Tartuffe has since seen many iterations across the globe, including four different Broadway runs and productions at various renowned theaters such as The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the Royal Shakespeare Company in London.
Tartuffe is directed by Helen Housley, associate professor of theatre. Scenic and lighting designs are by visiting assistant professor Niffer Pflager and associate professor Julie Hodge, respectively. Costume design is by associate professor Kevin McCluskey and sound design is by student designer Mo Gresham.
Tickets are $18 for standard admission and $16 for students, senior citizens and military, and $35 for Friday Night Out, which includes beer and wine, hors d’oeuvres and the chance to win door prizes.
For further information, call the Klein Theatre Box Office at 540-654-1111 or visit www.fredtix.com.