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Tartuffe (Wilbur)

Full-Length Play, Comedy  /  5w, 7m

By Molière, translated into English verse by Richard Wilbur

Molière’s Tartuffe, translated into English verse here by Richard Wilbur, is a sparkling version of one of the great comedies of French Neoclassical theatre. Originally written and set in the mid-17th century, this modern version can be adapted by directors to take place during the time period of their choosing.

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Tartuffe (Wilbur)

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    5w, 7m
  • Duration
    Duration
    More than 120 minutes (2 hours)
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult

Details

Summary

The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe – a fraud and a pious imposter – has insinuated himself. He succeeds magnificently in winning the respect and devotion of the head of the house and then tries to marry his daughter, seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. He nearly gets away with it, but an emissary from King Louis XIV arrives in time to recover the property, free Monsieur Orgon and haul Tartuffe off to jail. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished – but not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor. A comedy about the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

History

Richard Wilbur’s translation of Molière’s Tartuffe premiered in New York City at the ANTA Washington Square Theatre on 14 January 1965. It subsequently premiered in London at The National Theatre Company in 1967 featuring John Gielgud as Orgon, Robert Stephens as Tartuffe, Jeremy Brett as Valère, Derek Jacobi as The Officer and Joan Plowright as Dorine.

Keywords
Performing Groups

MME. PERNELLE – Orgon’s mother
ORGON – Elmire’s husband
ELMIRE – Orgon’s wife
DAMIS – Orgon’s son, Elmire’s stepson
MARIANE – Orgon’s daughter, Elmire’s stepdaughter, in love with Valère
VALÈRE – In love with Mariane
CLÉANTE – Orgon’s brother-in-law
TARTUFFE – A hypocrite
DORINE – Mariane’s lady’s-maid
M. LOYAL – A baliff
A POLICE OFFICER
FLIPOTE – Mme. Pernelle’s maid

  • Time Period 17th Century
  • Features Period Costumes
  • Duration More than 120 minutes (2 hours)

Media

“Stylish, bright, saucy.” – New York Journal-American

“An astonishingly delightful romp.” – New York Post 

“A rollicking evening of grace and fun.” – NY Newsday 

Licensing & Materials

  • Minimum Fee: £85 per performance plus VAT when applicable.

Authors

Jean Baptiste Molière

Jean Baptiste Molière
Molière was the leading French comic actor, stage director, and dramatic theoretician of the seventeenth century. He was born Jean Baptiste Poquelin on January 15, 1622, to Marie and Jean Poquelin. His father was a Parisian furniture merchant and upholsterer to the king. Jean ...
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Richard Wilbur

Richard Wilbur
Richard Wilbur was born in New York City and received his B.A. from Amherst College and an M.A. from Harvard. He has taught on the faculties of Harvard, Wellesley, Wesleyan, and Smith. Mr. Wilbur’s publications include six volumes of poetry and two collections of his selected ...
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