Moliere’s TARTUFFE at Denison

John Hewson and Jacob Betts in TARTUFFE

Last night was the opening of Geoffrey Nelson’s Denison University production of Tartuffe, Moliere’s 17th century play about a religious charlatan who wreaks havoc on the prosperous family that shelters him.

Considered one of the world’s classic comedies, Tartuffe was originally banned after its premiere because of objections from the Catholic Church; it was allowed to be performed a few years later after intercession by French King Louis XIV and some judicious re-writes by Moliere.

This production uses a translation by British writer Ranjit Bolt, which retains the rhymed couplets of the original but uses contemporary phrasing.  In order to capture the historical style of both the play and the time period in which it takes place, Nelson was assisted by Vocal Coach Mandy Fox of the OSU Theatre Department and Movement Coach Eleni Papaleonardos of Available Light Theatre Company and the Wellington School.  Period costumes with a contemporary flair were created by guest designer Jessica Pitcairn.

This is the first play by Moliere that Nelson has tackled since playing Valere in a touring production of The Miser several decades ago.  That production featured film and television star Bill Pullman in the title role.

In addition to directing Tartuffe, Geoff is also teaching a Directing Class at Denison this semester.