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Tartuffe

Presented by Classical Theatre Company at Barnevelder Movement/Arts Complex

April 8-April 18, 2010

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After nearly two seasons of tragedy: Shylock the Jew of Venice, Antigone, and One-Man Hamlet the Classical Theatre Company is proud to announce their first production of a comic piece: Tartuffe by Moliere. Running at the Barnevelder Movement Arts Complex. The show will run April 8-18th.

"I am very excited for the Classical Theatre Company to make its first foray into comedy," says Executive Artistic Director John Johnston. "I am particularly enthused to get the opportunity to direct one of my favorite plays in this, Moliere's masterpiece."

The play is a story of a family as it struggles against a scheming hypocrite masquerading under the facade of religious zeal and fervor. The head of the household, Orgon, is completely taken with self-proclaimed righteous Tartuffe and is prepared to give him everything from his fortune to his daughter's hand. Left with the task of bringing Orgon back to his senses is the remainder of the household: his cunning wife, a wise brother-in-law, an obedient daughter, a cantankerous son, and a sassy maid. A medley of laughs and chaos ensues as Tartuffe and the family play a game of tug-of-war for Orgon's loyalty.

Tartuffe is primarily produced today as solely a lighthearted and fun-loving piece. However, when it was written in 1664 Tartuffe was considered a highly controversial play. In the same year Tartuffe was written, the Archbishop of Paris issued an edict threatening to excommunicate anyone who read, performed, or attended the play. Classical Theatre Company, with their goal of "boldly re-envisioning classical drama," believes that this play can be both riotously funny and provocative.

"Something that I have always had difficulty coming to grips with are the two bible verses, 'You cannot serve both God and Money' (Matthew 6:24), and 'it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God' (Matthew 19:24)," says Johnston. "For when I see so many men of God living a life of extraordinary luxury, I wonder how they reconcile these verses to their lives. You can see evidence of this duplicity today in this nearly 400-year-old character of Tartuffe".

The show previews on April 8th and opens on April 9th. On Saturday April 10th the Classical Theatre Company is hosting a French Night in honor of Houston's Francophone organization and other French affiliated groups including the Alliance Francaise.

The Classical Theatre Company is dedicated to boldly re-envisioning classical drama on the stage, in the community, and in the classroom through engaging and enlightening plays - bringing them new life and relevance while maintaining the integrity that the works deserve.