Tartuffe

Molière’s brilliantly cutting 17th century play, Tartuffe, will get the brilliant Queensland Theatre treatment at the Playhouse, QPAC from 12 November – 4 December.

Presented by Queensland Theatre and Black Swan State Theatre Company, this new version of Tartuffe is by Justin Fleming (writer of original works, Burnt Piano and Shellshock, as well as clever adaptations and libretti). It’s directed by Kate Cherry and the cast includes Jenny Davis, Darren Gilshenan, Hugh Parker, Tessa Lind and James Sweeny.

Described as ribald and riotously irreverent, Tartuffe is about a fraudulent supposed man of the cloth who comes across Orgon, a wealthy man trying to come to terms with middle age. While everyone else can see what a con man Tartuffe is, Orgon is blinded to his real motives for befriending him and becoming a spiritual advisor.

The biting comedy outraged the Catholic Church when it was first performed – so much so that it called for anyone watching or performing it to be excommunicated. While reactions will probably not be quite so extreme in 2016, there’s sure to be plenty of discussion about the still pertinent themes about religious hypocrisy, moral weakness and fanaticism.

Nice to Know: There will be an Audio Described Performance Saturday 26 November and Thursday 1 December; a Play Briefing on Wednesday, 9 November; and Night with the Artists, Thursday, 1 December.

BUY TICKETS HERE

By Vicki Englund