Tartuffe by Moliere: A Reality Show

Frédérique Michel and Charles Duncombe continue their series of ribald, contemporary versions of Moliere’s classic comedies with a new take on his masterpiece about religious hypocrisy. It’s Tartuffe, the Reality Show! Welcome to the glitzy, gaudy Beverly Hills mansion of the delightfully deluded businessman Orgon Pernelle. He rescues a homeless hustler from the street who pretends to be a pious preacher, but Orgon's family sees in Tartuffe what he doesn’t: a masterly con-man. His trophy wife, his rebellious, spoiled children, and his naughty maid all want the cunning manipulator to be thrown out. Step by step, the impostor Tartuffe seduces his victim until the man is ready to sign over everything he owns to him—all in the name of purifying himself spiritually. This new version of the classic seventeenth century comedy demonstrates that sanctimoniousness and false piety never go out of style.