If it's hypocrisy, greed, and seduction you're looking for this spring, look no further than Molière's outrageous farce, Tartuffe. Under the religious cloak of piety, the lecherous, menacing, arch-hypocrite title character schemes to marry his benefactor's daughter, seduce his wife, then defraud him of all he possesses. Does the scoundrel succeed? Take your seat and find out in this exciting 42% irreverent adaptation of one of the world's greatest comedies.
Written over three hundred years ago, Tartuffe is arguably Molière's most famous play. The classic has found a reinvention at City Theatre with an exciting new stage adaptation that is even more fresh, lively, and hilarious. The play was first written and performed privately for King Louis XIV in 1664. It was quickly banned, however, when it caused an uproar within a prominent religious group. Declaring Molière to be an "instrument of the devil," the group clearly mistook the play's aim against hypocrisy to be an attack against religion itself. Having rewritten the play in secret, Molière opened it again in 1667 under a new title, The Imposter, only to have it banned again, this time by the Archbishop.Finally, he was granted a reprieve in 1669, and Tartuffe got its well-received premiere, going on to such success and notoriety as one the best comedic plays ever written. With his satiric commentary on society and for exploring eternal human foibles and obsessions, Molière easily transformEd French comedy and theatre. His quick-tongued wit, incredible humor, and wildly dynamic, but easily identifiable characters, all inhabit the world of Tartuffe.
Molière's TARTUFFE
April 7 - 30. Thursday - Saturday 8:00 pm. Sunday 3:00 pm.
The City Theatre, 3823 Airport Blvd. 78722.
General Seating $15. Center Reserved $20-25. Thursday all seats $10.
Tickets at the door $20. Group and student discounts.
Tickets 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org
www.citytheatreaustin.org
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