UCSB Theater/Dance Presents TARTUFFE

The Department of Theater and Dance presents Molière's Tartuffe, a famous piece of literature from France and one of Molière's masterpieces, adapted by David Ball and directed by Julie Fishell. The show opens on February 27th and runs through March 7th in the UCSB Hatlen Theater. It is one of the greatest farces ever written, Tartuffe is a hilarious, satiric romp, exposing hypocrisy and greed. A timeless comedy that is perfect in a major election year!

Tartuffe is a comedy, set in 17th century France by playwright Molière, who is regarded as one of the greatest writers in the French language and universal literature. First performed in 1664, the play was banned because church leaders believed the play attacked the foundations of religion.

The play examines ideas of hypocrisy and virtue, while confronting issues of authority and totalitarianism. The character Tartuffe tricked a wealthy homeowner, Orgon, into trusting him and believing his every word. Orgon's family recognizes Tartuffe's manipulating manner, and hilarity ensues as they attempt to convince Orgon otherwise.

When the director, Julie Fishell, was asked why she's excited for the play, she said "Everyone involved in our production from actors, to props artisans, to designers, to technicians continue to genuinely chuckle and sometimes belly laugh as we work on Tartuffe. For example, conversations seamlessly range from historical research into seventeenth-century French religious objects to the possibility of using a whoopee cushion onstage. Stage movement and choreography are being designed using images and manners from the time of the play with a soupçon of screwball comedy techniques. Did I mention we are having fun? And this spirit of fun is really fueled by our love of the play and how much sense we can make out of nonsense. Indeed, the phrase "making sense out of nonsense" has shaped our aesthetic for this production."

It's Julie Fishell's hope the audience will have an "experience" with the play that satisfies regardless of their foreknowledge of Molière and Tartuffe, or the fascinating and rich historical, social and political realities of seventeenth century France.

Join the UCSB Department of Theater and Dance as they explore one of Molière's famous masterpieces! Tickets are available at the UCSB Theater and Dance box office, by phone at (805) 893 - 2064, and online at www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu.