Drama, General & Miscellaneous Drama

Tartuffe

Name: Tartuffe
Author: Moliere
ISBN: 9781408109809

by Moliere, Roger McGough

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Overview

"The religious fraud Tartuffe has wormed his way into the affections and household of rich merchant, Orgon, with pantomime piety and counterfeit zeal. So comprehensively has he hoodwinked Orgon that he looks set to succeed in driving away the son, marrying the daughter, seducing the wife and imprisoning Orgon." Moliere's classic satire was denounced on its first performance as a sacrilegious outrage and banned from further public view. Only after petition to Louis XIV was the ban lifted, and the play's trenchant mockery of human frailties has ensured its popularity ever since. This new translation by Ranjit Bolt enjoyed its premiere in a major new production at the Royal National Theatre, with Martin Clunes in the title role.

Translation into English verse of a classic French drama.

Synopsis

Brimming with lively humor and satirical plot devices, this timeless comedy concerns the outrageous activities of a penniless scoundrel and religious pretender as he wreaks havoc among members of his benefactor's household.

NY Journal-American

Stylish, bright, saucy.

About the Author, Moliere

RICHARD WILBUR, one of America's most beloved poets, has served as poet laureate of the United States. He has received the National Book Award, two Pulitzer Prizes, the National Arts Club medal of honor for literature, and a number of translation prizes, including two Bollingen Prizes and two awards from PEN.

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Editorials

NY Newsday

...a rollicking evening of grace and fun.

NY Post

...an astonishingly delightful romp...

NY Journal-American

Stylish, bright, saucy.

Library Journal

This is an audio recording of a live stage performance of Pulitzer Prize winner Wilbur's celebrated translation of one of Molière's most popular plays, a 1664 social satire exposing hypocrisy in the Catholic Church. Timing proves to be the cornerstone of this successful production as Brian Bedford, John de Lancie, Martin Jarvis, Alex Kingston, and seven other talented actors keep a steady and believable rhythm throughout their performances, responding to one another with just the right comedic timing. A fantastic listen recommended for those who enjoy full-cast productions, audio dramas, and classic satire. [See Publisher Spotlight, p. 76.—Ed.]—Lance Eaton, Peabody, MA