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Molière's Tartuffe for Durban
Molière's Tartuffe for Durban
Durban audiences have the chance to catch the much-anticipated touring production of Molière's Tartuffe coming to the Courtyard Theatre at DUT campus for two days only, on 25 & 26 May - for day time schools and evening public performances.
Directed by the award-winning Sylvaine Strike of the Fortune Cookie Theatre Company, Tartuffe is translated by Richard Wilbur. Molière is regarded as one of the greatest masters of comedy and director Sylvaine Strikeonce again brings her winning signature directorial style to this timeless global theatre classic.
Exploring the way in which people are easily manipulated by symbols of power and honeyed words, Tartuffe is one of Molière's masterpieces, an uneasy comedy with a potent message at its core. Controversial when it was first performed in 1664, the play was closed down, censored and Molière questioned by the religious authorities of the time, which saw in it an audacious critique of hypocrisy within the church. Considering this, in a time when the artist, cartoonist or satirist's freedom of expression is not guaranteed, Tartuffe is as relevant now as it was then.
The production follows on the Fortune Cookie Theatre Company's runaway success in 2012 with their production of Molière's The Miser which ran to wide critical acclaim, seventy sold-out performances and which won four Naledi Awards, including Best Production and Best Director.
Tartuffe (Craig Morris) is a weasely swindler, disguised as a paragon of piety who manipulates his way into Orgon's house (Neil McCarthy) and unleashes his lecherous reign.
"Promoting the work of Molière is even more relevant today as it remains utterly universal through the ongoing power of his word," says director Sylvaine Strike. "We are proud to showcase the genius of one of France's most accomplished artists, whose masterpiece Tartuffe will be performed by a brilliant South African cast, within a context never seen before and which promises a lot of surprises.
"It is a play which, through the strength of its comedy and satire of society, also invites us to question and interrogate."
Jean-Baptiste Poquelin, known by his stage name Molière (15 January 1622 - 17 February 1673) was a French playwright and actor. He is considered to be one of the greatest masters of comedy in Western literature. Molière redefined French Theatre in the 17th century, becoming one of the greatest architects of social satire, and his impact can still be felt today.
Tartuffe bookings can be made at Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at https://www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet. For discounted corporate, schools or block-bookings, charities or fundraisers, contact Alliance Francaise: Vincent Frontczyk on 031312 9582. Tickets are R80 public / R60 concessions.
Photos by Dee-Ann Kaaijk