By Eva Trieger
SOLANA BEACH, California — North Coast Repertory Theatre’s director, Richard Baird, provided a comprehensive and fascinating background about Jean Baptiste Poquelin (aka Molière) and how the play Tartuffe evolved since its inception in 1664. I’ve no wish to give away anything, but I highly recommend you read the program to learn the intricacies of this once very controversial play. Apparently, it has never been fashionable to poke fun at the church and, in his defense, the playwright appealed to King Louis XIV, that his intentions were to the contrary.
The satiric comedy was originally written and performed in French, but fortunately for English-speaking audiences, it was translated by Richard Wilbur, and later, by others. The play is written and performed in rhyme. The actors are nothing short of incredible in their ability to speak the lines with meaning, each delivered naturally and logically.
The basic plot tracks the unctuous and licentious Tartuffe (Bruce Turk), a seemingly pious and devout clergyman who insinuates himself into Orgon’s family for the express purpose of bilking them out of all of their worldly possessions and snatching their home. Orgon (Bo Foxworth) is taken in by Tartuffe’s humility and vows of poverty, and bestows food, wine and even the comfort of his wife and daughter in the bargain. His mother, Mme. Pernelle (Kandis Chappell) is equally deceived by the wily Tartuffe and hasn’t a kind word for any of her less beguiled family members.
Orgon’s wife, Elmire (Melanie Lora) is intentional and shrewd in her dealings with the conniving Tartuffe and is set on preventing her husband from giving his lovely daughter, Mariane (Shante Deloach) to such an odious marriage, especially when her heart belongs to Valere (Jared Van Heel). Orgon’s son also is aware of the knavery of Tartuffe, and though Damis (Rogelio Douglas III) tries to warn his father of this evil influence. It only earns him disinheritance and banishment.
Perhaps the most clever and outspoken character is Dorine (Katie Karel), the loyal and sassy servant. Dorine continuously vexes Orgon by having the last word, and provokes Mariane about being too malleable about her father’s wishes, accusing the young woman of becoming “Tartuffified.” Additional family members include Orgon’s brother-in-law, Cleante (Christopher Williams), who constantly counsels Orgon to proceed with reason and caution. The roles of Laurent, Flipote, and the Police Officer are performed by Kate Rose Reynolds.
The first act is long, but this reviewer was engaged for its entirety. The actors are all highly skilled and the witty repartee and pacing are just perfect. The second act offers a satisfying resolution, but not before creating suspense and utter mayhem.
Under Richard Baird’s direction this play very successfully delivers superb performances, with humor, while poking fun at our human frailties and baser tendencies. I feel certain that Monsieur Molière would approve.
Tartuffe runs through April 7th and tickets may be purchased online at northcoastrep.org or by phone 858.481.1055.
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Eva Trieger is a freelance writer specializing in the arts. She may be contacted via eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com