UVA Drama presents TARTUFFE by Molière, translated by Richard Wilbur. Directed by Sabin Epstein. Ruth Caplin Theatre.
The gullible Orgon almost loses his wealth and family when he invites the religious con artist, Tartuffe, to live in his home. Everyone else in the household can see through this pretentious pillar of piety, but Orgon has been utterly duped by the roguish fraud. Even as Tartuffe plots to marry his daughter, seduce his wife, and run off with his fortune, Orgon defends the integrity of this hypocrite and gives new definition to blind-faith. Outrageous characters, absurd situations, family dysfunction, scandalous intrigue, and biting social commentary are all featured in Molière's classic French comedy that is as provoking today as it was in 1664. Mature themes.